lab safety - grand valley state university · 2014. 12. 5. · gvsu department of public safety...
TRANSCRIPT
LAB SAFETY
&
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
Updated 2/2014
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EMERGENCY INFORMATION
EMERGENCIES Medical Emergency - Call 911
Urgent Care Centers* Campus Health (M-F 9-4:30) 10383 42nd, Allendale 616-331-2435
Spectrum West Pavilion (8am-10pm) 6105 Wilson Ave, Wyoming 616-486-5100
Spectrum Downtown ER (24 Hrs) 100 Michigan St., Grand Rapids 616-391-1774
Metro Health Hospital ER (24 Hrs) 5900 Byron Center, Wyoming 616-252-7200
St. Mary’s Health Care ER (24 hrs) 200 Jefferson St., Grand Rapids 616-685-5000
North Ottawa Hospital ER (24 hrs) 1309 Sheldon Rd., Grand Haven 616-847-5310
North Ottawa Urgent Care (9am-7pm M-F, 9am-4pm Sat, Sun)
1091 S Beacon, Grand Haven 616-604-0096
Holland Hospital ER (24 hrs) 602 Michigan Ave, Holland 616-329-5141
Holland Hospital Urgent Care (10am-10pm M-F)
3235 N Wellness Dr, Holland (Riley St. E of 31)
616-494-4250
Spectrum Occupational Services (7am-8pm M-F, 8am-1pm Sat.)
973 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids 616-391-7752
*GVSU Employees must visit either Campus Health or Spectrum partners for on-the-job injuries.
Fire - Call 911 & Pull Fire Alarm:
Fire Alarm is located: Next to each building exit Fire Extinguisher is located: In each Lab
Chemical Spill For small spills that do not pose a threat to health or safety:
Contact Instructor, Lab Supervisor or Safety Specialists. For large spills that may pose a threat to health or safety;
Contact Public Safety or 911
Severe Weather Tornado Watch: Monitor weather radio
Tornado Warning: Take Shelter in lowest levels of building
CONTACTS
DIAL 911 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES
Non-Emergency:
Allendale Public Safety: 616-331-3255 Pew Campus/CHS Security: 616-331-6677 Facilities Customer Service: 616-331-3000
Department Contacts
GVSU Switchboard: 616-331-5000 Aaron Perry, Director of Lab Support: 616-331-3969
GVSU Safety Contacts
GVSU Human Resources: 616-331-2215 Jim Seufert, Safety Specialist – Chemical Hygiene &
Radiation Safety Officer: 616-331-8628 Cell: 616-450-0875 David Cox, Facilities Safety: 616-331-3083 Cell: 616-890-2307
Other Numbers
DTE Energy: Gas Leak: 1-800-947-5000 Consumers Power: Down Power Lines: 1-800-477-5050
Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 Drug and Lab Disposal (Haz Mat Cleanup): 269-685-982
Young’s Environmental Cleanup: 1-800-4-YOUNGS Valley City Environmental Services: 616-235-15005
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Contents GVSU STATEMENT OF COMMITTMENT ......................................................................................... 5 1.0 SCOPE .............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY ....................................................................................... 6 1.2 CHEMICAL HYGEINE PLAN SCOPE AND APPLICATION ................................................. 6
1.3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................ 6 1.4 EMPLOYEE RIGHTS.................................................................................................................. 7 1.5 PLAN AVAILABILITY .............................................................................................................. 7 1.6 ANNUAL REVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.0 TRAINING ....................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 GENERAL AWARENESS TRAINING ...................................................................................... 8
2.2 LABORATORY-SPECIFIC TRAINING .................................................................................... 8 2.3 METHOD OF TRAINING ........................................................................................................... 8
2.4 RECORD KEEPING .................................................................................................................... 9 3.0 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................ 10
3.1 LAB SPECIFIC STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES REQUIRED ............................ 10 3.2 GENERAL SAFETY PRINCIPLES .......................................................................................... 10
3.3 HEALTH AND HYGIENE ........................................................................................................ 10 3.4 FOOD AND DRINK IN THE LABORATORY ........................................................................ 11
3.5 HOUSEKEEPING ...................................................................................................................... 11 3.6 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE................................................. 11 3.7 TRANSFERRING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS .............................................................. 12
3.8 COMPRESSED GASSES .......................................................................................................... 12
3.9 UNATTENDED OPERATIONS ............................................................................................... 13 3.10 WORKING ALONE .................................................................................................................. 13 3.11 VOLUNTEERS IN LABS .......................................................................................................... 14
3.12 LABORATORY SECURITY .................................................................................................... 14 4.0 CHEMICAL HANDLING & STORAGE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 16
4.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................... 16 4.2 LABELING ................................................................................................................................ 16 4.3 CHEMICALS DEVELOPED IN THE LABORATORY .......................................................... 17
4.4 HAZARDS SUBJECT TO REVIEW OR PRIOR APPROVAL ............................................... 17
4.5 PROVISIONS FOR PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ................................ 18
4.6 PROVISIONS FOR PHYSICAL HAZARDS OF CHEMICALS ............................................. 19 4.6.1 Flammable/Combustible Material ......................................................................................... 19 4.6.2 Corrosives .............................................................................................................................. 20
4.6.3 Oxidizers ................................................................................................................................ 20 4.6.4 Water Reactive Materials ...................................................................................................... 21 4.6.5 Pyrophoric Materials ............................................................................................................. 21 4.6.6 Peroxidizable Chemicals ....................................................................................................... 21 4.6.7 Light Sensitive Materials ....................................................................................................... 21
4.6.8 Unstable Materials ................................................................................................................. 21
4.6.9 Cryogens ................................................................................................................................ 22
4.7 IONIZING AND NON IONIZING RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL ......... 22 4.8 BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL HAZARDS .................................................................................. 22
5.0 LABORATORY FACILITY REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................... 23 5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS .......................................................................................... 23
5.1.1 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). ................................................................................. 23
5.1.2 Generic Signs ......................................................................................................................... 23
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5.1.3 Restricted Access and Designated Areas. .............................................................................. 23
5.1.4 Storage Areas. ........................................................................................................................ 23 5.2 CONTROL MEASURES ........................................................................................................... 24
5.2.1 Administrative Controls......................................................................................................... 24 5.2.2 Engineering Controls ............................................................................................................. 24
5.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT .............................................................................. 24
5.3.1 Eye and Face Protection ........................................................................................................ 25 5.3.2 Protection of Skin and Body .................................................................................................. 26 5.3.3 Hearing Protection ................................................................................................................. 26 5.3.4 Respiratory Protection ........................................................................................................... 26
5.4 SAFETY EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................. 26
5.4.1 Safety Showers ...................................................................................................................... 26
5.4.2 Eyewash Facilities ................................................................................................................. 26
5.4.3 First Aid Kits ......................................................................................................................... 27 5.4.4 Spill Kits ................................................................................................................................ 27 5.4.5 Fire Extinguisher ................................................................................................................... 27 5.4.6 Telephone and Emergency Contact List ................................................................................ 27
5.5 LABORATORY VENTILATION ............................................................................................. 27 5.5.1 Fume Hood Safe Work Practices ...................................................................................... 28
5.5.2 Biological Safety Cabinet Safe Work Practices ............................................................... 28 5.6 STANDARD REPAIR / CLOSE-OUT / DECOMMISSIONING PROCEDURES .................. 29
6.0 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................ 30
6.1 Waste Characterization ............................................................................................................... 30
6.2 Container Management ............................................................................................................... 30 6.3 Waste Disposal ........................................................................................................................... 30
7.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES ................................................... 32
7.1 BASIC STEPS FOR EMERGENCIES AND SPILL RESPONSE ............................................ 32 7.2 FIRE ............................................................................................................................................ 32
7.3 SPILL RESPONSE ..................................................................................................................... 32 7.3.1 Minor Spills ........................................................................................................................... 32 7.3.2 Potentially Hazardous Spills .................................................................................................. 33
7.3.3 Mercury Spills ....................................................................................................................... 33
7.4 POWER OUTAGES ................................................................................................................... 34
7.5 INJURY AND ILLNESS ........................................................................................................... 34 7.6 MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS ....................................................... 34
8.0 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................. 36 APPENDIX A: GVSU INCIDENT AND INJURY REPORT FORM ..................................................... 37
APPENDIX B: INCOMPATIBILITY OF COMMON LABORATORY CHEMICALS ........................ 38
APPENDIX C: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE AND CONTAINMENT .............. 40
APPENDIX D: COMMON LABORATORY CORROSIVES ................................................................ 42
APPENDIX E: COMMON LABORATORY OXIDIZERS .................................................................... 43
APPENDIX F: PEROXIDIZABLE CHEMICALS ................................................................................. 44
APPENDIX G: SHOCK SENSITIVE AND EXPLOSIVE CHEMICALS ............................................. 47
APPENDIX H: GVSU CHEMICAL SAFETY LABORATORY CHECKLIST ..................................... 48
APPENDIX I: TERMINATION OF LABORATORY USE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ............ 49
APPENDIX J: INDUSTRIAL TOXICOLOGY – OVERVIEW ............................................................. 52
APPENDIX K: GVSU RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM .................................................. 55
APPENDIX L: VOLUNTEERS IN LABS TEMPLATE ........................................................................ 61
APPENDIX M: LIST OF DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................... 63
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GVSU STATEMENT OF COMMITTMENT
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is committed to providing a safe work environment for the health and
well-being of its employees and students. We have developed the following Lab Safety and Chemical Hygiene
Plan (Plan) to support that commitment. Contained herein are the policies and procedures, prepared in
accordance with State of Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) requirements,
for the safety and health of faculty and staff while working in laboratories owned or operated by GVSU.
Field work that is performed for GVSU Laboratory courses or research efforts must comply with these rules;
field appropriate safety plans and standard operating procedures must be developed for identified hazardous
operations that occur in the field. GVSU requires Units to evaluate fieldwork hazards as a part of their specific
lab plans.
The Plan contains general guidelines and information about GVSU‟s policies, safe practices, emergency
response actions, and reporting forms for general use in any GVSU owned/operated building where there are
GVSU employees. They do not, however, contain a copy of the procedures and response actions that apply to
specific laboratories within a particular building. Laboratory Specific Plans, and corresponding procedures, are
found in the relevant laboratories or by contacting the Chemical Hygiene Officer. The Laboratory Specific Plans
need to be consistent with the GVSU Lab Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Faculty and staff, including student employees, working in laboratory areas should become familiar with the
information covered in this document. In the event of a lab related emergency, response actions and reporting
procedures are documented to assure compliance with regulatory requirements and GVSU policies and
procedures. Emergency contact numbers are included on page two.
Although students are not included in the regulatory requirements of the MIOSHA Lab Safety Standard, GVSU
expects students who carry out experimental research to become familiar with the basic information contained in
this Plan. GVSU has delegated the responsibility for providing students with a safe learning environment to the
appropriate academic administrator and faculty and staff who work with or instruct the students in the
laboratories. Students are responsible for complying with the rules and regulations established by GVSU for
them and their colleagues‟ safety.
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1.0 SCOPE
1.1 STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
Grand Valley State University (GVSU), as a responsible employer, is committed to taking reasonable
precautions to provide a work environment that is free from recognizable hazards for its employees and
students. Because GVSU academic programs include working in laboratories, the Lab Safety and
Chemical Hygiene Plan has been prepared in compliance with the Michigan Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (MIOSHA) Hazardous Work in Laboratories regulation (the Laboratory Standard
– Part 431). It was written to ensure that the necessary work practices, procedures and policies are
implemented to protect all employees and students working in GVSU owned and operated laboratories
from hazards typical of a laboratory environment.
In turn, GVSU employees have the responsibility to be well informed about risks associated with
physical, chemical and biological hazards in their lab.
1.2 CHEMICAL HYGEINE PLAN SCOPE AND APPLICATION
This document serves as a guide for GVSU compliance with the MIOSHA Hazardous Work in
Laboratories Standard and the Chemical Hygiene Plan requirements. All programs and facilities at
GVSU engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous materials are required to comply with this document.
The primary objective of this Plan is to provide general guidelines for handling hazardous materials in
laboratories. The Plan establishes basic safety principles for laboratory procedures, equipment, and
work practices capable of protecting employees from laboratory hazards.
Where the scope of hazards are not adequately addressed by this general document, specific Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety practices will be developed. Additionally, as programs expand
and faculty and staff revise academic programs, this document will be updated accordingly.
This Plan does not apply to:
1. Work with chemicals or biological materials that do not meet the criteria to be considered
hazardous by the MIOSHA Hazardous Work in Laboratories Standard. The definition of a
hazardous material can be found in the Glossary of Terms in the appendix.
2. Work with chemicals or biological materials that create no risk of exposure to employees.
This document will be referred to as GVSU’s Lab Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan (The Plan).
1.3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
GVSU Safety Manager: The GVSU Safety Manager is responsible for the development and
implementation of institutional procedures for the establishment and maintenance of an environmentally
healthy and safe workplace. The Safety Manager and Chemical Hygiene Officer serve as resources for
compliance with the Plan.
The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO): The manager of lab safety will act as the CHO, who is the
University‟s chemical hygiene authority. The CHO shall work closely with the Safety Manager, and
academic units for overall compliance with the Plan. The CHO can delegate responsibility to others, as
necessary, to implement and carry out the provisions of the Plan.
The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for compliance with state and federal requirements
for using ionizing and non ionizing radiation including personnel monitoring. In each laboratory where
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ionizing and/or non-ionizing radiation is used there will be a GVSU employee who is responsible for
certain essential functions to assure regulatory compliance and the safety of those using radiation.
GVSU Department of Public Safety will, with the assistance of Facilities Services, coordinate response
activities in the event of an emergency. Facility Services is responsible for operational safety. The Lab
Safety Committee is comprised of faculty and staff who have the overall responsibility to provide
technical and operational oversight for The Plan. New projects, expanded use of hazardous chemical
and biological materials, and/or physical hazards which pose unusual or uncontrollable risks shall be
reviewed and approved by the committee.
University Employees whose job responsibilities are laboratory-based are responsible to be familiar
with the safe practices and requirements of the Plan and building-specific health and safety procedures.
Non-laboratory based University employees who work with hazardous materials are responsible to be
familiar with the practices and requirements of the GVSU Hazard Communication Program. All
individuals performing work with hazardous substances must accept a shared responsibility for working
in a safe manner once they have been informed about the extent of risk and safe procedures for their
activities. They also have the responsibility to inform supervisors or safety personnel of accidents and
work practices or conditions that they believe to be hazardous.
Academic Deans and their designees are responsible for the overall safety and well being of faculty,
staff, and students and shall make available the resources necessary to carry out the provisions of the
Plan.
Faculty will provide students and staff with training at the beginning of each course or research project
in which hazardous materials are used. The training shall be documented as appropriate. Specific safety
training instructions will be provided at the beginning of each class period on an as needed basis.
Lab Supervisors, departmental and research, have the responsibility for the safety and well being of all
persons in contact with any university-related activity utilizing radiation, chemical, or biological
hazards. Lab supervisors include any faculty or staff member running a research project that involves
hazardous materials as well as departmental lab supervisors as defined in the GVSU job description.
Specifically, the lab supervisor is responsible for;
1. Ensuring that all employees under his/her supervision have received GVSU laboratory safety
training,
2. Providing all employees under his/her supervision with site-specific training and documenting such
training,
3. Following procedures prescribed in this document, and in department or site specific plans.
1.4 EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
It is the employee's right to receive information about the known physical and health hazards of the
hazardous materials in their work areas and receives adequate training to work safely with these
substances. Employees have the right to work in a safe environment and inform the laboratory
supervisor about potential risks in the laboratory.
1.5 PLAN AVAILABILITY
The Plan is available for review on the Lab Safety website, or by contacting the CHO.
1.6 ANNUAL REVIEW
It is the CHO‟s responsibility to review the Plan annually from its effective date and make any
necessary modifications as programs, courses, and/or projects change.
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2.0 TRAINING
Employees will have access to information and training to ensure that they are informed of the hazards of
materials present in their work area. Such information will be provided at the time of an employee's initial
assignment to a work area where hazardous materials are present and prior to assignment involving new
exposure situations. Employees will receive periodic refresher information and training to ensure that they are
aware of the risks of exposure to hazardous materials.
2.1 GENERAL AWARENESS TRAINING
General awareness training will be provided by the CHO or other instructor and will include:
1. The content of MIOSHA‟s Hazardous Work in Laboratories Standard and the location of the Plan.
2. A description of permissible exposure limits for certain OSHA/MIOSHA regulated substances.
3. How to identify signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in the
laboratory (available on Material Safety Data Sheets).
4. Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous material
(such as monitoring conducted by continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance, or odor of
hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.).
5. General physical and health hazards of chemical or biological material in the work area. This must
include an awareness that many factors influence whether a given material might constitute a hazard
(e.g. dose, exposure time, users‟ genetic background or developmental state, mixtures of
interactions of chemicals, etc.).
6. The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific
procedures the University or department has implemented to protect employees from exposure to
hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal
protective equipment to be used.
7. The location and availability of known reference materials on the hazards, safe handling, storage,
and disposal of hazardous materials found in the laboratory, including, but not limited to, Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) received from the supplier.
2.2 LABORATORY-SPECIFIC TRAINING
Training on hazards specific to a task or area shall be provided to employees by lab supervisors or
faculty and includes:
1. Site-specific emergency procedures
2. Site-specific standard operating procedures.
3. Specific physical and health hazards of materials in the work area (available on MSDS).
4. Methods to prevent exposure of identified hazards and personal protective equipment.
5. Descriptive information on the function and use of general and local exhaust ventilation that serves
the lab(s) in use.
2.3 METHOD OF TRAINING
Training will be provided by the CHO, or other knowledgeable faculty, staff, or outside consultant, and
may take the form of individual instruction, group seminars, audiovisual presentations, handout
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material, computer based technology, or any combination of the above. Site-specific training will be
provided by Lab Supervisors or knowledgeable and qualified faculty.
Signing the course-sign-in and/or completing the on-line quizzes, acknowledges that employees
understand the GVSU Plan and the policies and procedures applicable to the MIOSHA Laboratory
Standard and will work in compliance with those policies. In addition, the training session you have
attended includes applicable health and safety related policies and procedures as explained by the
instructor. The appropriate Lab Supervisor will provide additional laboratory-specific training on an as
needed basis.
2.4 RECORD KEEPING
General awareness training required by the Plan will be documented by the CHO. Records will either
consist of a Record of Training form or the Blackboard attendance or online completion records. For
training completed on GVSU‟s Blackboard, the grade book replaces the “record of training” since a
login is the equivalent of a signature and the results of the quiz reflect the level of understanding. The
CHO will maintain this documentation. Laboratory-specific training must be documented and
maintained by the lab supervisor and shall be available upon request
The amount of time the CHO chooses to retain training records is not specified in the Laboratory
Standard. However, GVSU policy is to retain training records for at least one year after an employee
leaves a position or student leaves the course. Where applicable, Safety signoffs for specific laboratory
class safety policies will be maintained by the Unit or Departmental Laboratory Supervisor.
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3.0 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
This Plan provides certain procedures for health and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) that apply to
laboratory work involving the use of hazardous chemicals, hazardous biological materials, and/or operations
with a high degree of risk. SOPs have been prepared so as to standardize the response thereby adding a higher
level of safety to achieve a predictable outcome. Additional procedures may be necessary for labs with health
and safety hazards greater than those presented in The Plan.
3.1 LAB SPECIFIC STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES REQUIRED
Principal Investigators and Lab Supervisors must assess the risks and identify hazards associated with
working in their area. Once hazards are identified, they must develop, implement and maintain lab-
specific procedures to safely address high hazard materials/processes, and then train laboratory
personnel on applicable procedures. In relatively low hazard labs, the procedures outlined in this
manual may be sufficient. Faculty and staff may create their own procedures or use publicly available
resources such as reference books, internet sites (of a reliable source), or lab manuals.
3.2 GENERAL SAFETY PRINCIPLES
The following guidelines have been established to assist lab faculty and staff to manage potential
hazards and to maintain a basic level of safety. Below are guidelines that establish minimum
requirements for those who may use and/or work in labs.
1. Understand the known hazards associated with the materials being used. Never assume all hazards
have been identified. Carefully read labels before using an unfamiliar chemical. When appropriate,
review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for special handling information. Determine the
potential hazards and use appropriate safety precautions before beginning any new operation.
2. Be familiar with the location of emergency equipment such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers,
emergency eyewash, and shower stations and know the appropriate emergency response procedures.
3. Avoid distracting or startling other workers when they are handling hazardous materials.
4. Use equipment and hazardous materials only for their intended purposes.
5. Always be alert to unsafe conditions and actions and call attention to them so that corrective action
can be taken as quickly as possible.
6. Wear appropriate skin, eye and face protection.
7. Always inspect equipment for leaks, tears or other damage before handling a hazardous material.
This includes fume hoods, gloves, goggles, etc.
8. Avoid tasting or smelling chemicals.
3.3 HEALTH AND HYGIENE
The following practices have been established to protect laboratory employees from health risks
associated with the use of hazardous chemicals:
1. Avoid direct contact with any hazardous material. Know the types of protective equipment required
while using any chemical. If in doubt, review the appropriate section of the MSDS.
2. Confine long hair and loose clothing and always wear footwear that fully covers the feet.
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3. Do not mouth-pipette.
4. Use appropriate safety equipment whenever there is a potential for exposure to hazardous gases,
vapors, or aerosols. Check to ensure that local exhaust ventilation equipment is working properly
before use. In the event that general or local exhaust ventilation is not functioning properly,
immediately stop work, notify Facilities, and place a sign to notify others that work with hazardous
materials is suspended until the equipment is working properly.
5. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling chemicals or biological materials, before
leaving the laboratory and before eating or drinking.
6. If there is a hazardous splash potential, splash goggles shall be worn as eye protection.
7. Clean and store personal protective equipment as appropriate.
8. Laboratory employees shall be familiar with the signs and symptoms of exposure for the materials
with which they work and the precautions necessary to prevent exposure.
3.4 FOOD AND DRINK IN THE LABORATORY
1. Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or applying of commercial products in any laboratory area where
hazardous chemicals or biological hazards are in use.
2. Refrigerators and microwave ovens used for chemical or biological storage or other laboratory use
shall not be used for food storage or preparation.
3.5 HOUSEKEEPING
Safety follows good housekeeping practices. The following guidelines can be used to maintain an
orderly laboratory: Custodians are not to clean up chemicals or biohazards.
1. Keep work areas (including floors) clean and uncluttered. Clean up work areas after the work is
finished or at the end of each lab or workday.
2. Dispose of waste per the GVSU disposal policies described in Section 2.10 or the building-specific
plan. A separate receptacle must be designated for non-contaminated glass. Contaminated glass is
considered hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.
3. Clean spills immediately and thoroughly, as per the guidelines in this document and the product
MSDS. Ensure a chemical spill kit is available. Faculty, staff, and students should receive training
on the proper procedures of cleaning a spill and a designated employee shall assure that the spill kits
are properly stocked.
4. Do not block exits, emergency equipment or controls. Do not use hallways and stairwells for
storage.
5. Assure hazardous chemicals are properly segregated into compatible categories (section 5.1.4).
6. Custodial responsibilities are limited to sweeping the floors except when chemicals and biological
materials are present and emptying the trash.
3.6 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE
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Information on proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and access to related
MSDSs are available to all laboratory employees at www.gvsu.edu/labsafety or by contacting the CHO.
Always purchase the minimum amount necessary to maintain operations.
1. Chemical containers with missing or defaced labels should not be accepted.
2. Chemicals utilized in the laboratory or hood must be appropriate for the type and capacity of the
ventilation system.
3. Hazardous biological materials should be manipulated using safety equipment and techniques
appropriate to the risk group and the evaluated biosafety level of the specific experimental
conditions. Biosafety cabinets used to protect researchers from biological hazards must be
functioning properly, certified annually and appropriate to the biological and chemical hazards in
use.
4. Hazardous materials should be stored in appropriate safety cabinets, closed cabinets or not more
than five feet above the floor.
5. Chemicals shall be segregated by compatibility.
6. Hazardous material storage areas must be labeled as to their contents (section 5.1.4)
7. Storage of hazardous materials at the lab bench or work area shall be kept to a minimum.
8. A Hazardous material mixture shall be assumed to be as toxic as its most toxic component.
9. Substances of unknown toxicity shall be assumed to be toxic.
10. Each lab must maintain an inventory of all chemical along with a MSDS for each chemical.
3.7 TRANSFERRING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
When transporting hazardous materials outside the laboratory, precautions should be taken to avoid
dropping or spilling them.
1. Carry glass containers in bottle carriers or other leak resistant, unbreakable secondary containers.
2. When moving hazardous materials on a cart, use a cart suitable for the load and with raised edges to
contain leaks/spills.
3. Transporting of hazardous waste between buildings within a campus should be done with all
necessary precautions to avoid spills or leaks. Transporting waste between campuses should not be
done.
3.8 COMPRESSED GASSES
Special systems are needed for handling materials under pressure. Cylinders pose mechanical, physical
and/or health hazards, depending on the compressed gas in the cylinder.
1. Cylinders with regulators must be individually secured. Only cylinders with valve protection caps
securely in place may be safely gang-chained (chained in groups).
2. When storing or moving a cylinder, have the valve protection cap securely in place to protect the
stem.
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3. Cylinders must be secured in an upright position at all times. Use suitable racks, straps, chains, or
stands to support cylinders against an immovable object, such as a bench or a wall, during use and
storage. Do not allow cylinders to fall or lean against one another.
4. Use an appropriate cart to move cylinders.
5. Never bleed a cylinder completely empty. Leave a slight pressure to keep contaminants out.
6. Oil or grease on the high-pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion. Do not
lubricate an oxygen regulator or use a fuel gas regulator on an oxygen cylinder. Use an oxygen
approved regulator.
7. Always wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields when handling compressed gases.
8. Use appropriate gauges, fittings, and materials compatible with the particular gas being handled.
9. When work with a toxic, corrosive, or reactive gas is planned, the CHO should be contacted for
information concerning specific handling requirements. Generally, these gases will need to be used
and stored with local exhaust ventilation such as a lab hood or a gas cabinet designed for that
purpose.
10. Outside contractors/suppliers have been hired to exchange empty cylinders with full ones. Faculty
and staff should limit moving cylinders, but when necessary, use the cylinder restraint cart.
3.9 UNATTENDED OPERATIONS
At times, it may be necessary to leave a laboratory operation unattended. Follow these basic guidelines
in the design of an experiment or project to be left unattended:
1. Check with your laboratory supervisor to determine if the operation can be left safely unattended.
2. If the operation is to be left unattended for extended periods and involves hazardous materials or
potentially hazardous conditions, develop a protocol. It should be reviewed by the laboratory
supervisor and CHO. The protocol should include responses to potential interruptions in electric,
water, inert gas and other services and provide containment for hazardous materials.
3. A warning notice must be posted near the experiment if hazardous conditions are present. This
notice must contain information concerning the hazard such as indicators of problems and who to
contact if such evidence is present.
3.10 WORKING ALONE
Working alone, whether after-hours or in isolation, should be avoided whenever possible. If it becomes
necessary to conduct work alone in a laboratory, workshop, or in the field, the Principal Investigator or
Lab Supervisor must specify the conditions under which working alone will be permitted.
1. In no case is working alone permitted during procedures involving highly hazardous or toxic
chemicals or agents and/or dangerous equipment or environments (i.e.: anything that could cause
severe injury or death).
2. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator or Lab Supervisor, with support of GVSU safety
staff, to assess activity of high and low or moderate risk, and develop policies and procedures
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appropriate for each type of work. It is preferable that departmental staff collaborate on common
procedures, processes and equipment for consistency with individual policies.
3.11 VOLUNTEERS IN LABS
Volunteers in the lab include any unpaid individual who performs services directly related to the
business of the university.
1. Any volunteer conducting lab work must be provided with written documentation including, but not
limited to the following: Indemnification and liability information from the GVSU‟s Risk
Management and Insurance Department; clearly defined scope of work; and instructions to
complete safety training prior to working in the lab. A consent form template is provided in the
Appendix.
2. No one under the age of 16 may work or volunteer in a lab.
3.12 LABORATORY SECURITY
Laboratories must be secured using reasonable measures to prevent against theft, unauthorized entry,
and misuse of chemicals or equipment, especially those that could present a risk to the public or be used
for illicit purposes.
1. Laboratory Personnel Responsibilities: For research labs, Principal Investigators are responsible for
the security of their laboratories. In teaching labs, the Department Chair is responsible for chemical
and equipment security. All laboratory staff and students should take the following precautions:
a. Be aware of unfamiliar individuals in restricted areas. Either approach them to inquire as to
their purpose in the area (“can I help you? “) or report to faculty or staff.
b. Report suspicious behavior and security problems to Public Safety/Pew Security.
c. Ensure doors from public access areas into restricted access areas remain locked. Do not
prop doors open.
d. Do not provide access to unfamiliar individuals.
e. Keep accurate inventories of chemicals and equipment.
f. Do not leave hazardous materials or valuable equipment unsecured
g. Properly dispose of unwanted chemicals.
2. Laboratory Access: Faculty, staff and students will be provided with access cards or brass keys
upon approval by the Department Chair or Dean of the College, or their designee. Keycard
restrictions are as follows:
a. Academic departments and/or the Dean of the College will determine individuals who are
authorized to request issuance of a keycard. The individual making request shall maintain a
record of all cards and names that they have been assigned to. In the event of a lost/stolen
keycard, the authorized individual shall have the card cancelled immediately.
b. Faculty and staff cards will be deactivated upon request of the Department Chair or
termination of employment. Student cards will be issued for a term not longer than one
year, at which time the authorized individual must request an extension.
c. PI‟s may request any access times for student cards during typical building operating hours
without prior approval. In the Allendale lab complex, those hours are 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Monday - Friday. Additional access will be granted upon demonstration of established
policies for after-hours access. PI‟s requesting after-hours access for their research staff
must provide the Chemical Hygiene Officer with:
i. Identification of the room/space where access is being requested.
ii. A description of lab work and potential hazards, if any.
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iii. Specific policies for working alone in the space.
d. Access to certain restricted areas, such as the shop, those using radiation, level 2
biohazards, and laboratory animals will only be granted upon approval by both the
Department Chair and that program‟s designated university official. Each individual
entering such areas must swipe his or her card on the reader (even if the door is open),
unless access is part of a class or the individual is directly supervised by the Principal
Investigator.
e. Do not allow unknown individuals into key-carded areas. Cardholders are responsible for
the actions of any individuals that they allow into a secure area.
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4.0 CHEMICAL HANDLING & STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
4.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
At a minimum, hazardous material containers must have the chemical name(s) and hazard
identification(s). With respect to identifying containers, storage areas and laboratory entranceways, the
following guidelines should be followed. These responsibilities can be delegated to someone who has
received adequate training but the ultimate responsibility lies with the lab supervisor and faculty/staff
who are using or directing the use of the material.
1. Labels on incoming containers of hazardous materials for laboratory use may not be removed or
defaced. Labels contain information on the identity and the hazards associated with the material.
It is recommended that incoming containers be labeled with the department or user name and
date received.
2. Laboratory containers must be labeled (i.e.: bottles filled from the original container, see section
3.2.1.).
3. Hazardous material storage areas must be labeled per the guidelines established in section 5.1.4.
4. Entranceways to laboratory facilities must be labeled with the appropriate warning signs per the
guidelines established in section 5.1.2.
5. All employees must have access to MSDSs (see section 5.1.1.)
4.2 LABELING
All containers must be labeled with the name of the contents and the hazard(s), if not provided by the
manufacturer. If a material has more than one hazard, it must be labeled with both hazards. No
hazardous chemicals and/or substances will be accepted for use at Grand Valley State University, or
shipped to any other location unless they are clearly labeled with the following information:
1. The identity of the hazardous material and proper safety precautions
a. For containers labeled by the manufacturer:
i. Inspect the labeling on incoming containers.
ii. Replace damaged or semi-attached labels.
b. For transferred products or prepared solutions labeled by the user:
i. Label each chemical container with the chemical name and hazard warning
ii. Refer to the MSDS for hazard warning
c. For Labeling Multiple Small Containers using Legend Method
i. Label containers with abbreviated chemical name and a hazard warning.
ii. Provide a key in a visible location in the lab with complete chemical name.
iii. Document that employees are trained on the labeling system
d. For labeling multiple small containers using the box or tray method:
i. Put containers in box or tray.
ii. Label tray with chemical name and hazard warning
iii. If containers are removed from the box/tray, they must be properly labeled or
returned to the box or tray within the work-shift.
e. Peroxide Forming Chemicals must be labeled with: Date received, opened, tested, and results.
2. The appropriate hazard warnings as outlined in the Federal Right to Know Standard or the Global
Harmonization System.
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a. All hazardous chemical labels must be clearly legible and prominently displayed on the
container
b. If the chemical in question is subject to any special regulatory provisions - such as
Michigan class "A" carcinogen, then said chemical must be labeled in accordance with the
provision.
c. In work situations involving stationary process containers or any process that might create a
health hazard during the normal completion of a given task (welding, for instance) the label
can be replaced by a sign, placard or batch ticket indicating the identity and nature of the
hazard. These warnings must be readily visible to employees.
d. Any portable vessel containing hazardous chemicals that will not be used on the work shift
during which the container was filled, must be labeled with the appropriate hazard
information.
e. No label may be removed or defaced unless a substitute is immediately provided.
Employees must not remove or deface any label without express consent from a supervisor
or appointed Chemical Hygiene Officer. The OSHA Compliance Directive states that,
before any product can be used, the proper label must be present. Any container without a
label should be reported by the employee to his/her supervisor.
f. The identity on the container label must read exactly as it does on the Material Safety Data
Sheet. If a trade name is used on the MSDS, then a trade name should be on the label. If the
chemical name is used on the MSDS, then the container should be labeled accordingly.
g. Anything available over the counter as a “consumer product” to the public is exempt from
labeling requirements if it has already been labeled by the manufacturer and the label is
intact.
4.3 CHEMICALS DEVELOPED IN THE LABORATORY
The following requirements apply to chemical substances produced in the laboratory:
1. If the composition of the chemical substance that is produced exclusively for the laboratory‟s use is
known, the lab supervisor must determine if it is a hazardous chemical. If the chemical is
determined to be hazardous, the lab supervisor must provide appropriate training to protect
employees and provide a written procedure for handling, use, and disposition of the chemical
compound.
2. If the chemical produced is a product or a by-product whose composition is not known, the lab
supervisor must assume that the substance is hazardous and must comply with the requirements of
the Plan.
3. If the chemical is produced for sale or use outside of the laboratory, the lab supervisor must prepare
an appropriate MSDS in accordance with Michigan‟s Right-to-Know Law.
4.4 HAZARDS SUBJECT TO REVIEW OR PRIOR APPROVAL
All academic and research activity with potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological agents,
equipment, or work areas is subject to review by the CHO. It is the responsibility of the CHO and
faculty/staff to evaluate hazards and identify lab activities that are sufficiently hazardous as to cause or
have a significant potential to cause injury to employees and/or students. As a guide (and as a
minimum), the activities discussed in the MIOSHA lab standard shall be reviewed and assessed for
personnel exposure.
If the CHO‟s and faculty/staff hazard assessment identifies high risk operations that cannot be
eliminated or controlled, the CHO and/or Lab Safety committee must provide approval. Additional
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hazard assessments will be conducted by the responsible faculty member annually for procedures that
have expanded in scope or increased potential hazards.
4.5 PROVISIONS FOR PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
1. Permissible Exposure Limits.
The Laboratory Standard requires that employers, for laboratory uses of substances regulated by
OSHA/MIOSHA, assure that employees' exposures do not exceed the Permissible exposure Limits
(PELs). The PELs represent Time Weighted Averages (TWA's) in parts per million (ppm) or
milligrams of substance per cubic meter of air (mg/m3). The TWA represents the ratio between
exposure and work shift. PELs can be found in the Occupational Health Standard Part 301 of
Michigan‟s Department of Labor and Economic Growth. An additional reference is the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has established Threshold Limit
Values (TLV's), which are TWA values similar to the PEL's. Refer to the MSDS or MIOSHA‟s web
site for exposure limits and related information.
See Appendix for GVSU‟s Respiratory Protection Program
2. Employee Monitoring
Faculty/Staff or the CHO must perform employee exposure monitoring under the following
circumstances:
a. Initial monitoring must be performed if there is reason to believe employee exposure levels
routinely exceed the action level, or PEL.
b. Periodic monitoring must be performed when initial monitoring reveals an exposure. The
employer must comply with exposure monitoring provisions of the relevant standard.
c. Employers must notify the employee of the monitoring results within 15 working days after
receipt of monitoring results. Records of exposure monitoring data should be retained with
employee training records indefinitely. Records of exposure monitoring should also be
emailed to the University Safety Manager if the employee has been exposed above the
action level or PEL.
3. Special Considerations.
The MIOSHA Laboratory Standard requires that special precautions for additional employee
protection be followed for the laboratory use of select carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, and
chemicals with a high degree of acute and chronic toxicity. Protection from these hazards is
provided by assuring exposure to such hazards is minimized or eliminated. To minimize exposure, it
is necessary to determine the route by which exposure may occur, whether by inhalation,
absorption, injection, ingestion or a combination of exposure routes. To ensure employees do not
receive exposures in excess of the PEL, hygienic standards have been established for many toxic
materials. The following general hygiene standards should be observed when using select
carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, and chemicals with a high degree of acute and chronic toxicity.
1. Establish a designated area.
a. Use and store materials only in designated areas such as a restricted access hood, glove
box, or portion of a lab designated for use of highly toxic substances. Assure that all
personnel with access are aware of necessary safety precautions and engineering
controls are adequate.
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b. Label all containers, storage and use areas appropriately. Follow the guidelines
established in section 3.4.1 of this document.
2. Use proper containment devices for the protocol and chemical(s) being used.
a. Use a hood or other containment device for procedures which may result in the
generation of aerosols or vapors.
b. It is recommended that breakable containers be stored in chemical-resistant trays. Work
and mount apparatus above such trays or cover work and storage surfaces with
removable, absorbent, plastic backed paper.
3. Remove contaminated waste in accordance with GVSU waste disposal guidelines.
4. Follow decontamination procedures prior to leaving the designated area.
a. Before leaving the designated area, remove protective apparel. Place it in an appropriate,
labeled container. Thoroughly wash hands, forearms, face, and neck.
b. Thoroughly decontaminate or dispose of contaminated clothing or shoes. If possible,
chemically decontaminate by chemical conversion to a less toxic product.
c. Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment, including glassware,
before removing them from the designated area. Decontaminate the designated area before
normal work is resumed.
d. Use a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to decontaminate surfaces
contaminated with particulates. DO NOT DRY SWEEP.
e. Protect vacuum pumps against contamination with scrubbers or HEPA filters and vent
effluent into the hood.
5. Always take extra precautions when working with particularly hazardous substances.
a. Consult the MSDS for toxic properties and follow the specific precautions and procedures.
b. Guard against spills and splashes. Appropriate safety apparel, especially gloves, should be
worn. All hoods, glove boxes, or other essential engineering controls should be operating
properly before work is started.
c. Notify the Lab Supervisor immediately of all incidents of exposure or spills.
4.6 PROVISIONS FOR PHYSICAL HAZARDS OF CHEMICALS
Physical hazards of chemicals are provided below. User must take certain precautions to avoid personal
injury or property damage. Additionally, users should understand chemical incompatibilities and avoid
storage or mixing practices that may cause a violent reaction or a toxic gas.
4.6.1 Flammable/Combustible Material
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) places flammable and combustible liquids in the
following classes:
Flammable Flash Point* Boiling Point
Class IA < 73°F (22.8°C) < 100°F (37.8°C)
Class IB < 73°F (22.8°C) >100°F (37.8°C)
Class IC >73°F (22.8°C) <100°F (37.8°C)
Combustible
Class II >100°F (37.8°C)&< 140°F (60°C)
Class IIA >140°F (60°C)&< 200°F (93°C)
Class IIIB >200°F (93°C)
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*Flash Point is defined as the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in
sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.
For handling flammable/combustible materials, observe the following guidelines:
1. Eliminate ignition sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, sparks from welding or
cutting, operation of electrical equipment, and static electricity.
2. Store in NFPA approved flammable liquid containers or storage cabinets, in an area isolated
from ignition sources or in a special storage room designed for flammable materials.
3. Ensure there is proper bonding and grounding when it is required, such as when transferring
or dispensing a flammable liquid from a large container or drum. Assure bonding and
grounding is checked periodically.
4. Assure appropriate fire extinguishers and/or sprinkler systems are in the area.
5. No storage of flammable chemicals in container sizes greater than 1 gallon will be permitted
in labs unless:
a. The flammable chemicals are stored in a flammable storage cabinet
b. The flammable chemicals are stored in an approved flammable safety can.
6. Maximum quantity of flammable chemicals in a lab should not exceed 10 gallons of
flammable chemicals, unless stored in a safety can or inside flammable storage cabinets.
4.6.2 Corrosives
Corrosives are materials which can react with the skin causing burns similar to thermal burns,
and/or which can react with metal causing deterioration of the metal surface.
1. Containers and equipment used for storage and processing of corrosive materials
should be corrosion resistant.
2. Eye protection and rubber gloves should always be used when handling corrosive
materials. A face shield, rubber apron, and rubber boots may also be appropriate,
depending on the work being performed.
3. Never add water to acid. When mixing concentrated acids with water, add the acid
slowly to water.
4. An eyewash and safety shower must be readily accessible to areas where corrosives
are used and stored. In the event of skin or eye contact with corrosives, immediately
flush the area of contact with cool water for 15 minutes. Remove all affected
clothing. Obtain medical help. See section 5.3, "Personal Protective and Safety
Equipment" for eyewash and safety shower specifications.
4.6.3 Oxidizers
Oxidizers are materials that react with other substances by giving off electrons and undergoing
reduction. This reaction may result in fire or explosion. The intensity of the reaction depends on
the oxidizing-reducing potential of the materials involved. Know the reactivity of the materials
involved in the experiment or process. Ensure there are no extraneous materials in the area that
could become involved in a reaction. If the reaction is anticipated to be violent or explosive, use
shields or other methods for isolating the materials or the process.
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4.6.4 Water Reactive Materials
Water Reactive Materials are materials that react with water to produce a flammable or toxic
gas and heat or other hazardous condition. Often a fire or explosion results. Safe handling of
water reactive materials will depend on the specific material and the conditions of use and
storage. Examples of water reactive chemicals include alkali metals such as lithium, sodium,
and potassium, acid anhydrides, and acid chlorides.
4.6.5 Pyrophoric Materials
Pyrophoric Materials are materials that ignite spontaneously upon contact with air. Often the
flame is invisible. Examples of pyrophoric materials are silane, silicon tetrachloride, and white
or yellow phosphorous. Pyrophoric chemicals should be used and stored in inert environments,
and dated when received and opened.
4.6.6 Peroxidizable Chemicals
Peroxidizable Chemicals (Organic Peroxides) are materials which undergo auto-oxidation (a
reaction with oxygen in the air) to form peroxides which can explode with impact, heat, or
friction. Since these chemicals may be packaged in an air atmosphere, peroxides can form even
though the container has not been opened, necessitating careful handling. Date all
peroxidizables upon receipt and upon opening. Dispose of or check for peroxide formation after
the recommended time depending on the chemical. See Appendix – Common Peroxide Forming
Chemicals and Protocol for Detection and Inhibition of Peroxides. Do not open any container
that is deformed or has obvious solid formation around the lid.
4.6.7 Light Sensitive Materials
Light-Sensitive Materials are materials that degrade in the presence of light, forming new
compounds that can be hazardous, or resulting in conditions such as pressure build-up inside a
container that may be hazardous. Examples of light sensitive materials include chloroform,
tetrahydrofuran, ketones, and anhydrides. Store light-sensitive materials in a cool, dark place in
amber colored bottles or other containers that reduce or eliminate penetration of light.
4.6.8 Unstable Materials
Unstable Materials are compounds that can spontaneously release large amounts of energy
under normal conditions, or when struck, vibrated, or otherwise agitated. Some chemicals
become increasingly shock-sensitive with age. Of great concern in the laboratory is the
inadvertent formation of explosive or shock-sensitive materials such as peroxides, perchlorates
(from perchloric acid), picric acid, and azides.
1. Contact the CHO when it is suspected that the inadvertent formation of shock-sensitive
materials in ductwork, piping, or chemicals being stored has occurred.
2. Date all containers of explosive or shock-sensitive materials upon receipt and when opened.
3. Store containers of shock sensitive or explosive materials in unbreakable secondary
containers, away from heat and direct sunlight.
4. If there is a chance of explosion, use barriers or other isolation methods.
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4.6.9 Cryogens
Cryogens are liquefied gases that can condense oxygen from the air to create an oxygen rich
atmosphere in the nitrogen solution; increasing the potential for fire if flammable or
combustible materials are present. Asphyxiation and container over-pressurization are
significant hazards due to the large expansion ratio from liquid to gas (700 to 1). Many
materials become brittle at extremely low temperatures. Brief contact with materials at
extremely low temperatures can cause burns similar to thermal burns. Some of the hazards
associated with cryogens are fire, pressure, weakening of materials, and skin or eye burns upon
contact with the liquid.
1. Equipment should be kept clean, especially when working with liquid or gaseous oxygen.
2. Gases or fluids should be controlled to prevent formation of flammable or explosive
mixtures.
3. Always wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when handling. If there is a chance
of a splash or spray, a full-face protection shield, an impervious apron or coat, cuffless
trousers, and high-topped shoes should be worn. Watches, rings, and other jewelry should
not be worn. Gloves should be impervious and sufficiently large to be readily thrown off
should a cryogen spill. Potholders could also be used.
4. Containers and systems containing cryogens should have pressure relief mechanisms.
5. Containers and systems should be capable of withstanding extreme cold without becoming
brittle.
6. Since glass ampoules can explode when removed from cryogenic storage if not sealed
properly, storage of radioactive, toxic, or infectious agents should be placed in plastic
cryogenic storage ampoules. Reheat cold sample containers slowly.
4.7 IONIZING AND NON IONIZING RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
The use of radioactive materials and equipment that produces ionizing and non ionizing radiation at
GVSU is strictly controlled by the Radiation Safety Officer. Faculty and staff working in the Medical
Imaging and Radiation Sciences Department and sciences that involve the use of radioactive materials
are required to follow the safety practices documented in the respective Plans and GVSU‟s Radiation
Safety Manual If there are any questions regarding the information or requirements of working in the
area, review the Radiation Safety Program website at www.gvsu.edu/radsafety or contact GVSU‟s
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
4.8 BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL HAZARDS
Use of biological materials at or above Biosafety Level 2 at GVSU is strictly controlled. The current
definition of Biological Risk Groups and Biosafety Levels are found in the 2007 edition of CDC / NIH
Guideline Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories‟. Contact the CHO if you plan to
use biological materials at or above Biosafety Level 2.
NIH Guidelines for Research involving Recombinant DNA Molecules
The 2002 NIH Guidelines defines levels of review necessary for rDNa research, responsibilities of
institutions, and investigators, physical and biological containment for various rDNA research, and
points to consider for the design and submission of human gene transfer research. These guidelines
apply to all institutions receiving NIH funding for any research.
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5.0 LABORATORY FACILITY REQUIREMENTS
5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS
Labels and warning signs should alert employees to potentially hazardous materials and allow those
unfamiliar with the laboratory surroundings to identify hazardous chemical use and storage areas, safety
facilities, emergency equipment, exits, and aid emergency response personnel. (Signs and labels are
generally available from the CHO.)
5.1.1 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document containing chemical hazard identification
and safe handling information and is prepared in accordance with the OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard and the Michigan Right-to-Know law. Chemical manufacturers and
distributors must provide the purchasers of hazardous chemicals an appropriate MSDS for each
hazardous chemical/product purchased.
GVSU has developed a developed a database of MSDS‟s using chemical inventories from
hazardous material users. A link to the database can be found at www.gvsu.edu/labsafety.
5.1.2 Generic Signs
The following signs have been posted in areas readily accessible. They include:
1. The Michigan Right-to-Know law poster
2. Emergency contact numbers are posted on the doorway leading out into a corridor.
5.1.3 Restricted Access and Designated Areas.
Facilities containing certain hazards must have warning signs posted at the designated area of
the laboratory where the hazard exists, and at the entranceway to the laboratory. Any areas
placarded as such are restricted access, designated areas, and have certain standards regarding
training and use by employees. Such hazards include:
1. MIOSHA carcinogens (see Appendix P or contact CHO if you have questions)
2. HIV and HBV research laboratories and production facilities
3. Biological agents that require Biosafety Level 2 or higher controls
4. Sources of ionizing radiation
5. Radioisotopes and radiolabeled materials
6. Areas with high magnetic fields, UV light, laser usage, or radio frequency generators
Other hazards will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with consultation from the CHO.
5.1.4 Storage Areas.
Chemicals should be stored according to compatibility as designated by hazard classes.
Particularly hazardous chemicals should be stored and handled with extreme care. When
ordering chemicals that are unfamiliar, request and review the MSDS before purchase. To make
sure that proper use and storage guidelines are understood. Assure that the following areas are
labeled and chemicals are stored appropriately:
1. Carcinogens
2. Corrosives
3. Flammable Liquids
4. Flammable Solids
5. Oxidizers
6. Perchloric Acid
7. Biosafety Level 2 or higher
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5.2 CONTROL MEASURES
Control measures must be evaluated required when the following circumstances are met:
1. Whenever employees use hazardous materials.
2. Whenever employee exposures exceed the action level (or, in the absence of an action level, the
Permissible Exposure Limit, the published exposure limit or the Threshold Limit Value).
3. Upon addition of new chemicals or changes in procedures.
4. Other situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please consult the CHO for
assistance in establishing the appropriate control measure.
Use the following primary methods for detecting exposures:
1. Determine the source of exposure.
2. Determine the path the contaminant follows to reach the employee
3. Determine the employee's work pattern and use of personal protective equipment.
5.2.1 Administrative Controls
Methods of controlling employee exposures to contaminants by job rotation, work assignment
or time periods away from contaminant. Examples include Standard Operating Procedures,
Chemical Hygiene Plan, and Safety Manuals.
1. Use training and education as primary administrative controls for reducing exposures.
2. Substitute less harmful chemicals whenever possible.
3. Change or alter processes to minimize exposure.
5.2.2 Engineering Controls
methods of controlling employee exposures by modifying the source or reducing the quantity of
contaminants released into the work environment. Examples include fume hoods and biosafety
cabinets.
4. Isolate or enclose a process or work operation to reduce the number of employees
potentially exposed (i.e. fume hood, glove box, etc.).
5. Use local exhaust ventilation (hoods) at the point of generation or dispersion of
contaminants and use dilution (general) ventilation to reduce air contaminant
concentrations.
6. Use wet methods to reduce the generation of dust.
7. Use special control methods such as shielding and continuous monitoring devices to
control exposures in special situations.
8. Practice good housekeeping procedures to reduce unnecessary exposures.
Note: MIOSHA R 325.51105 regarding air contaminants, states that engineering controls and
administrative controls shall first be determined and implemented when feasible. When such controls
are not feasible to achieve full compliance, protective equipment or any other protective measures
shall be used to keep the exposure of employees to air contaminants within the limits prescribed in the
rule.
5.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
GVSU will provide necessary engineering controls and safety equipment to all employees to
maintain a safe working environment. It is the employee‟s responsibility to ensure proper use and
care of such equipment.
Each lab will assess its operations and hazards, to determine the necessary personal protective
equipment (PPE) necessary to adequately protect employees. The lab supervisor or faculty member
is responsible for hazard evaluation, PPE determination, and enforcement of required PPE rules in
their lab. In common or prep areas, departmental leaders and faculty are ultimately responsible for
25
ensuring that they follow and enforce PPE requirements. The MSDS will provide some
information on the PPE and safety procedures recommended for a given chemical, though the
MSDS may not provide sufficient information concerning the specific type of safety equipment
required (for example, it may say "use gloves" but not list the best type of glove to use).
5.3.1 Eye and Face Protection
Eye protection is available to all employees or visitors to laboratories where chemicals are used
and stored. Protective eye and face equipment must be used where there is a reasonable
probability of injury from hazardous materials that can be prevented from such equipment.
The laboratory supervisor establishes the minimum level of eye protection needed for the
laboratory activity. Specialized types of eye protection, such as ultraviolet light restricting
safety glasses, are available on an as needed basis. All eye protective devices for laboratory use
must be stamped with "Z87" by the manufacturer if they meet ANSI standards. If the eye
protection is not marked, it may not. meet minimum eye safety protection standards.
1. Safety glasses with side shields offer protection against flying fragments, chips,
particles, sand, and dirt. Safety Glasses are the minimum level of eye protection
required when an impact hazard exists or when working with hazardous materials.
Safety glasses are acceptable when:
a. Pipeting hazardous materials
b. Handling closed bottle of hazardous materials
c. Mixing small quantities of solutions of hazardous materials
d. Opening centrifuge tubes
2. Safety goggles (impact goggles) offer adequate protection against flying particles.
These should be worn when working with glassware under reduced or elevated pressure
or with drill presses, grinders or other similar conditions.
3. Chemical splash goggles have indirect venting for splash proof sides, which provide
adequate protection against splashes. Chemical splash goggles offer the best eye
protection from chemical splashes. Impact goggles should not be worn when danger of
a splash exists. Chemical Splash Goggles are required when working with corrosive or
injurious chemicals and a reasonable probability of splash exists, for example:
a. Pouring acid out of a 1 pint bottle
b. Pouring methylene chloride from a 1 liter bottle
c. Working with liquids under pressure
4. Face shields protect the face and neck from flying particles and splashes. Always
wear additional eye protection under face shields. Ultra-violet lightface shields should
be worn when working over UV light sources. Face Shield and Chemical Splash
Goggles are required when working with larger quantities of corrosive chemicals or a
high probability of eye and face injury exists such as:
a. Working with an acid bath
b. Pouring 4 liters of acid into a container
c. Handling highly reactive chemicals that may spatter
Note: Ordinary prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection against eye
injury. Eye protection equipment must be ANSI Z87 approved.
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5.3.2 Protection of Skin and Body
Skin and body protection involves the use of protective clothing to protect individuals from
chemical exposure. Determine clothing needed for the chemical being used, as protective
garments are not equally effective for every hazardous chemical. Some chemicals will permeate
a garment in a very short time, whereas others will not.
1. The basic and most effective forms of protection are gloves and lab coats.
2. Protect exposed skin surfaces when there is a reasonable anticipation of a splash.
3. Open toed shoes and sandals are not permitted in labs.
4. Even when there is minimal danger of skin contact with an extremely hazardous
substance, lab coats, coveralls, aprons, or protective suits should be utilized. These
garments should not leave the lab.
5. Exposures to strong acids and acid gases, organic chemicals and strong oxidizing
agents, carcinogens, and mutagens require the use of specialized protective equipment
that prevents skin contamination. Impervious protective equipment must be utilized.
Examples include rubber gloves, aprons, boots, and protective suits.
5.3.3 Hearing Protection
Hearing protection is required where noise levels exceed OSHA limits. Typically lab
environments will not exceed those levels. Contact the CHO for evaluation of high nose areas
or operations.
5.3.4 Respiratory Protection
Generally laboratories are provided with fume hoods to prevent situations where respirators
would be necessary. See appendix for GVSU‟s Respiratory Protection Policy
5.4 SAFETY EQUIPMENT
5.4.1 Safety Showers
Safety Showers are required to provide an immediate water drench of an affected person.
MIOSHA has adopted the following ANSI standards for location, design, and maintenance of
safety showers:
1. Showers are located within 25 feet of areas where chemicals with a pH of < 2.0 or >
12.5 are used.
2. Showers are located within 100 feet of areas where chemicals with a pH between 2 and
4 or 9 and 12.5 are used.
3. Shower location is to be clearly marked, well lighted, and free of obstacles, closed
doors, or turns.
4. Safety showers are checked and flushed periodically.
5. GVSU Safety showers will be checked and flushed annually.
5.4.2 Eyewash Facilities
Eyewash Facilities are required in all laboratories where injurious or corrosive chemicals are
used or stored and are subject to the same proximity requirements as safety showers. MIOSHA
has adopted the following ANSI standards for location, design, and maintenance of emergency
eyewash facilities:
1. Optimally, those affected must have both hands free to hold open the eye to ensure an
effective wash behind the eyelids. This means providing eyewash facilities that are
operated by a quick release system and simultaneously drench both eyes.
2. Eyewash facilities at GVSU will provide the minimum of a 15-minute water supply at
no less than 0.4 gallons per minute.
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3. Eyewash facilities should be checked and flushed at a minimum between semesters (3
times per year). A log documenting flushes is recommended.
5.4.3 First Aid Kits
First aid kits should be readily accessible to all laboratory personnel and should be
inspected frequently to ensure that the kit is sufficiently stocked. The kit need only to
provide equipment for minor cuts and scrapes. Injuries requiring greater medical
attention should be examined by Public Safety.
5.4.4 Spill Kits
Ready access to a spill kit is required in laboratories that work with hazardous materials and
employees should be trained on its use. The basic supplies that should be available in a spill kit
should be determined by area lab supervisors or faculty based on the hazards of materials used
or stored in that area. Contact the CHO or your area Lab supervisor if you want assistance in
selecting appropriate spill supplies and PPE.
5.4.5 Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers have been placed in each lab and research space using hazardous materials at
GVSU. The fire extinguisher in the laboratory should be the appropriate classification type for
the expected fire. Type A are used on combustible (wood, paper rubber, plastic) fires, Type B
are used on flammable liquid fires, Type C are used on energized electrical equipment fires, and
Type D are used on combustible metal (lithium, sodium, magnesium, potassium) fires.
Multipurpose (Type ABC and Type BC) extinguishers are also available. Facilities Services
inspects fire extinguishers annually. Notify Public Safety any time a fire extinguisher is
discharged.
5.4.6 Telephone and Emergency Contact List
Each laboratory using hazardous chemicals must have convenient access to a telephone or have
reliable cellular phone coverage. In addition, each lab must post a list of emergency contact
phone numbers.
5.5 LABORATORY VENTILATION
Lab ventilation controls are those controls intended to minimize employee exposure to hazardous
chemicals by removing air contaminants from the work site. There are two main types of ventilation
controls:
1. General (Dilution) Exhaust: a room or building-wide system that brings in air from outside and
ventilates within. Laboratory air must be continually replaced, preventing the increase of air
concentration of toxic substances during the workday. General exhaust systems are not
recommended for the use of most hazardous chemicals.
2. Local Exhaust: a ventilated, enclosed workspace intended to capture, contain, and exhaust
harmful or dangerous fumes, vapors, and particulate matter generated by procedures conducted with
hazardous chemicals. These may include fume hoods and biological safety cabinets.
To determine ventilation requirements, review the MSDS. Once a local ventilation system is installed
in a work area, it must be used properly to be effective. For use of hazardous chemicals warranting local
ventilation controls, the following guidelines should be observed:
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5.5.1 Fume Hood Safe Work Practices
1. Conduct all operations that may generate air contaminants at or above the appropriate PEL
or TLV inside a fume hood.
2. Do not put your head or upper body into the hood, unless hazardous materials are not
present.
3. Hoods should not be used for permanent storage of hazardous materials or equipment. With
the exception of certain hazardous waste containers, all chemicals should be stored in an
appropriate location outside of the hood.
4. Hazardous materials and equipment should be placed at least six inches inside the hood for
proper containment of chemical vapors. Place heat generating equipment to the rear of the
hood.
5. Equipment inside the hood should be placed so as to not block airflow through slots in the
baffle. Blocks may be necessary under large equipment to allow air to flow to the rear
baffle.
6. The fume hood safety-glass sash should be kept below the “stopper” at approximately 18”.
In general, the sash height should be set at a level where the operator is shielded to some
degree from any explosions or violent reactions which could occur and where optimum
airflow dynamics are achieved. If a fume hood has no markings regarding sash height or
inspection dates, please contact the CHO to arrange for an inspection.
7. Alarms: Most hoods are equipped with flow sensors. They will generally alarm if flow is
too low or too high. Typically the problem corrects itself, possibly after adjusting sash
height. If an alarm continues, stop using the hood and contact a Lab Supervisor or Facilities
Services. The alarm can be “muted”, however the hood should not be used until the proper
flow rate is shown on the monitor.
8. Emergency Purge: In the event or a spill, smoke, or other unintended vapors, press the
emergency button on the sensor to increase to maximum fan speed.
9. When not in use the hood should be completely closed to reduce energy consumption.
10. Minimize foot traffic and other forms of potential air disturbances past the face of the hood.
11. Do not have sources of ignition inside the hood when flammable liquids or gases are
present.
12. Check that the digital air flow monitor reads 70 fpm or greater prior to each use to assure
that the hood is functioning. Never work with hazardous chemicals or biohazards if the
required ventilation system is not working.
13. Hoods should not be routinely used as a waste disposal mechanism for volatile materials.
14. Do not block air supply vents or exhausts in the room.
15. Perchloric Acid Hoods: Use of perchloric acid must be done in a designated hood.
Currently perchloric acid use is discouraged at GVSU and no hoods have been designated.
16. Always use proper personal protective equipment when working with chemicals in a hood.
Hoods are used when a chemical or a procedure as a greater than usual potential is
especially dangerous, so eye protection, gloves, and lab coats should be worn.
5.5.2 Biological Safety Cabinet Safe Work Practices
The Biological Safety Cabinets are used to provide containment of infectious splashes or
aerosols generated by many microbiological procedures. BSC‟s use High Efficiency Particulate
Air (HEPA) filters to protect personnel and products inside the BSC from contamination from
aerosols and particulates. They also protect the laboratory by isolating and containing the work
in progress within the BSC. Properly maintained Biological Safety Cabinets are used
whenever:
a. Procedures with a potential for creating infectious aerosols or splashes are conducted.
These may include centrifuging, grinding, blending, vigorous shaking or mixing, sonic
disruption, opening containers of infectious materials whose internal pressures may be
29
different from ambient pressures, inoculating animals intranasally, and harvesting
infected tissues from animals or eggs.
b. High concentrations or large volumes of infectious agents
Guidance for safe use of biological safety cabinets:
1. Never use chemicals with the potential to generate hazardous vapors. The HEPA filters are
intended only to remove particulates and biological agents.
2. Never work in or near the hood with the ultraviolet light turned on. UV light can damage
eyes and exposed skin very quickly. Only use the light for the minimum period of time
necessary for disinfection, never more than 15 minutes. Note: NIH, CDC, and ABSA all
discourage the use of UV for disinfection.
3. Work surfaces should be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant on a routine basis,
after work with infectious materials is finished, and especially after spills, splashes, or other
contamination by infectious materials.
4. If the unit is not left running continuously, turn the blower on and air purge for at least five
minutes to remove airborne contamination before the next use.
5. Each laboratory should develop procedures which identify the hazards that will or may be
encountered, and which specifies practices and procedures designed to minimize or
eliminate risks.
6. Laboratory personnel must receive appropriate training on the potential hazards associated
with the work involved, including the necessary precautions to prevent exposures, and the
exposure evaluation procedures.
Standards for Inspection: Each user is responsible for ensuring that fume hoods and biological
safety cabinets are operating properly prior to use. GVSU will conduct annual inspections of
fume hoods to evaluate the airflow, sash, and overall condition of each hood. Every three years
each hood will be certified by a third party inspection contractor. BSC‟s must be certified
annually or after repairs. Hoods and BSC‟s will be posted with date of certification. Notify
Facilities Services or Lab Safety for operation or maintenance concerns.
5.6 STANDARD REPAIR / CLOSE-OUT / DECOMMISSIONING PROCEDURES
When a request for equipment repair or transfer to another location is initiated, the following steps must
be undertaken to ensure the safety of the employees responsible for repair or transfer if the equipment
has been contaminated by hazardous chemicals:
1. Remove chemical contaminants with an appropriate solvent or cleaning solution.
2. Once contaminants have been eliminated, place sign indicating decontamination status in a
prominent position on the equipment to be repaired or transferred.
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6.0 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Each laboratory has a designated space where hazardous waste is accumulated. All such waste must be collected
in the lab in clearly labeled bottles that are tightly capped. It is recommended that waste be reagent/chemical
specific, but waste reagents may be mixed if they are of the same category of waste and not capable of reacting
with other wastes stored in the same container. When waste is ready for storage, it may be moved to the
hazardous waste accumulation area. Follow the procedure found in Unit specific plans for securing and logging
the waste in the designated waste area. If present, follow the directions on the door and fill out the log with the
category and amount of waste, container type, and date. (Labels are available from the Lab Supervisor.)
Transporting of hazardous waste between buildings or campuses shall be according DOT Regulations.
6.1 Waste Characterization
1. Each Principal Investigator or Lab Supervisor lab must identify each waste stream and
proper disposal procedures for wastes generated in the lab. University EH&S staff are
available to assist with identification to ensure consistency with waste disposal
requirements.
2. Each lab must have appropriate containers and waste accumulation areas for waste
identified in their lab. Do not place incompatible waste into a single waste container.
6.2 Container Management
1. Waste chemicals accumulated in the laboratory must be placed into containers that are
in good condition, compatible with the contents, and able to be closed. Waste containers
should be kept clean with no visible contamination on the outside of the container.
2. Waste containers must remain be closed when not adding or removing waste.
3. Waste containers must be labeled with:
a) The words “Waste” “Lab Waste” or “Hazardous Waste”
b) The name or type of chemical such as “Acetone” or “non-halogenated solvent”
c) The date accumulation started and the name of the person or class generating
the waste.
d) Any other descriptions about the contents pertinent to the disposal facility.
Provide as much detail as possible. If “unknown” list any details that might
assist with characterizing the waste.
4. Areas where waste chemicals are accumulated must have secondary containment
sufficient to collect any incidental spills from container failure. Containers should not
be overfilled. Leave headspace to allow for expansion and store the filled waste
containers in a secure area.
6.3 Waste Disposal
1. Hazardous waste is accumulated in the Hazardous Waste Storage area for each GVSU facility.
Instructions are provided on the door of the storage room for inventorying and labeling of waste
containers.
2. A licensed waste hauler is contracted to make hazardous waste pickups as needed, but not less
than once per year.
3. Manifest tracking
a) Designated person from GVSU signs off on pick-up,
b) GVSU retains the „generator” copy, Transporter keeps all others.
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c) “Facility Signed Copy” is mailed back to GVSU after delivery is complete and us kept
for 3 years. State of Michigan must also be provided with a copy from either GVSUor
the disposal facility, depending upon arrangements made with the disposal facility.
d) Copies of universal waste manifests are kept in the universal waste file and log is
updated. Exception: For universal waste (i.e. needles, elemental mercury, etc.) there
will be no white copy received or sent back to Michigan DEQ.
4. All hazardous chemical waste should be segregated and labeled according to GVSU waste
disposal guidelines. Special attention should be given to the following areas:
a) Glass containing no hazardous material must be kept in receptacles labeled “Broken
Glass”.
b) Chemical waste is to be collected in containers labeled "Hazardous Waste", the
category of hazard, the specific chemical or reagent if known and the date.
c) Items such as mercury thermometers, used flouescent light bulbs, and waste
rechargeable batteries must be labeled with the words “Universal Waste”
d) Use separate containers for metal, glass and plastic sharps. Collect sharps contaminated
with biohazardous materials in rigid, leakproof, puncture resistant containers which
have been labeled with the universal biohazard symbol (see example above).
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7.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES
7.1 BASIC STEPS FOR EMERGENCIES AND SPILL RESPONSE
The following situations identify non-medical emergencies that may occur in laboratory areas:
1. The situation is unclear to the person causing or discovering a spill or reaction.
2. The release requires evacuation.
3. The release involves or poses a threat of:
- fire, suspected fire, explosion or other imminent danger,
- conditions that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH),
- high levels of exposure to toxic substances.
4. The person(s) in the work area is uncertain of their qualification to handle the situation with
the personal protective equipment (PPE) and response equipment that has been provide,
especially if the exposure limit could easily be exceeded.
Only trained employees may respond to an emergency. If you have not received training, specific for the
emergency and subsequent response, call the emergency contact number(s) on Page 2 of this Plan. After
the situation has been made safe, an incident report (see appendix) should be completed describing the
cause, response actions, current condition, and identifying any persons who may have been exposed.
Conversely, if the conditions do not meet the criteria described above, the situation may not be an
emergency and can be responded to locally. The following situations ARE NOT emergencies:
1. The person causing or discovering the release understands the properties and can make an
informed decision as to the exposure level.
2. The release can be appropriately cleaned up by the lab personnel using spill kits.
3. The materials are limited in quantity, exposure potential, or toxicity and present minor
safety or health hazards to persons in the immediate work area or those assigned to clean up
the activity.
7.2 FIRE
There are two categories of fires that may occur in the lab: minor or incipient fires and those that are
larger and may involve the structure of the facility. In both of these situations it is most appropriate to
call 9-1-1. GVSU faculty and staff, who have received proper training, may (voluntarily) respond to
incipient fires by using the nearest fire extinguisher. For larger fires, the proper response is;
e) Pull the fire alarm, if available, or dial 9-1-1.
f) Evacuate to a safe location.
g) Communicate with Public Safety or other responders as to the nature of the incident.
7.3 SPILL RESPONSE
7.3.1 Minor Spills
Minor spills are small quantities of material that you understand the hazards of and are
comfortable that you have the training and ability and to clean up appropriately. If you are
unsure of the hazard of a spill or proper response procedures contact your Lab Supervisor, CHO
or Public Safety. All minor spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Minor spill cleanup procedures:
1. Notify everyone in the immediate area that you have a spill
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2. Assess the hazard and your ability to clean up properly.
3. Locate the spill kit and identify appropriate protective equipment. At a minimum
always use gloves and protective eyewear.
4. Use an appropriate absorbent to confine or contain the spill. Strong acids or bases
may need to use a neutralizing absorbent. Do not use paper towels.
5. Properly dispose of the absorbent and clean the spilled area.
a) For non-reactive spills: scoop into a plastic disposal bag and sweep solid
materials into a dustpan and place in a sealed container. Dispose of waste
as normal trash as long as substance is non-volatile and non-hazardous
waste.
b) For reactive or potentially reactive spills: scoop into an appropriate
container. Wet mop the dry substances to avoid spreading hazardous dust,
provided it is non-water reactive. If spilled chemical is a volatile solvent,
transfer disposal bag to a hood. Follow the GVSU policy for disposal.
7.3.2 Potentially Hazardous Spills
These may be larger in quantity or spills of highly hazardous materials including materials of
low LD50, carcinogens or reproductive toxins, reactive, corrosive or flammable liquids, or
metals, and materials if unknown toxicity.
Potentially hazardous spill response procedures
1. Notify everyone in the immediate area of the potentially hazardous spill.
2. Vacate the area, close the door behind you, and move to a safe location.
3. If the situation may cause airborne contaminants or risk of fire or explosion, pull fire
alarm to evacuate the building.
4. Call 9-1-1 and provide details of the situation.
5. Have someone knowledgeable of the situation meet Public Safety/EMS upon their
arrival at the building.
Evacuation of the building is mandatory if chemicals or contaminants can enter the air
circulation system of the building. GVSU labs are exhausted to the outside. Hallways and
offices are not.
7.3.3 Mercury Spills
These may occur when mercury-containing devices are broken. To avoid such spills from
occurring all mercury containing devices should be replaced. In case of a spill or broken
mercury containing device, contact your Lab Supervisor or CHO.
Mercury spill response procedures
1. use a trapped vacuum line attached to a tapered glass tube or rubber bulb aspirator to
pick up mercury droplets. Do not use a domestic or commercial vacuum cleaner.
2. Cover small droplets in accessible areas with one of the following:
a. sodium polysulfide solution
b. powdered sulfur
c. silver metal compounds
d. dry ice to freeze the mercury droplets
3. Place residue in container for hazardous waste collection.
For all potentially hazardous spills a report describing the spill should be sent to the area lab supervisor,
and CHO.
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7.4 POWER OUTAGES
The main risk during a power outage is loss of lab ventilation and climate control. Emergency lighting
is provided for emergency egress. If emergency lighting and fire alarms ARE NOT operable, evacuate
the building. If adequate lighting is provided, leave the area after the following steps have been taken.
1. Place lids on all open containers of volatile chemicals
2. Lower the sash on chemical fume hoods
3. Shut down all equipment (leave cooling water and purge gases on as necessary)
4. Turn off ignition sources
5. Secure or isolate reactions that are underway (boiling liquid on a hot plate, distillations)
6. Close fire doors
7. Take your books, coats, purse/wallet, keys, etc.
8. Lock outside door to lab.
7.5 INJURY AND ILLNESS
For medical emergencies dial 911. For employees seeking non-emergency medical treatment, under
current GVSU policies and procedures, affected employees must seek care from an approved facility
(list maintained by Human Resources). Injured students seeking non-emergency medical attention are
to make their own decisions regarding their medical care. The supervisor or instructor must ensure the
appropriate injury report forms are completed. If you have any questions regarding injury and illness
procedures, contact your supervisor or instructor.
Minor First Aid: In most situations emergency medical care is available within minutes of GVSU labs.
1. Do not dispense or administer any medications, including aspirin.
2. Do not put any ointments or creams on wounds or burns. Use cool water.
3. Review the MSDS for specific first aid information for a given chemical.
Eye Splash:
1. Remove victim from spill area only if an attempt to rescue does not present a danger to the
rescuers.
2. Lead the victim(s) immediately to an emergency eyewash facility.
3. Assist the victim as needed. The goal is to flush the eyes and upper portion of the face.
4. Flush for at least 15 minutes or longer if pain persists.
5. Contact the CHO and/or emergency response personnel and inform them of the incident and
possible chemical(s) involved.
Chemical Body Splash:
1. Remove victim(s) from the spill area to fresh air only if an attempt to rescue victim(s) does not
present a danger to the rescuers.
2. Don appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, etc.)
3. Remove contaminated clothing while under an emergency shower.
4. Flood affected area of the body with cold water for at least 15 minutes or longer if pain persists.
5. Wash skin with mild soap and water – do not use neutralizing chemicals, creams, lotions or
salves.
6. Contact the CHO and/or emergency response personnel and inform them of the incident and
possible chemical(s) involved.
Whenever emergency shower or eye wash stations are used inform Public Safety.
7.6 MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS
In certain situations, GVSU will provide faculty, staff, and student employees, who work with
hazardous materials an opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow-up examinations
which the examining physician determines to be necessary, under the following circumstances:
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1. An employee must be provided an opportunity to receive an appropriate examination when he or
she develops signs or symptoms associated with hazardous materials to which there may have
been exposure in the laboratory.
2. If exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the action level (or in the
absence of an action level, the Permissible Exposure Limit) for an OSHA regulated substance for
which there are exposure monitoring and medical surveillance requirements, medical surveillance
shall be established for the affected employee as prescribed by the particular standard.
3. Whenever an event takes place in the work area, such as a spill, leak, explosion, or other
occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure, the affected employee shall be
provided an opportunity for a medical consultation. Such consultations shall be for determining
the need for a medical examination.
All medical consultations and examinations must be performed by or under the direct supervision of a
licensed physician and must be provided without cost to the employee, without loss of pay and at a
reasonable time and place.
The following information shall be provided to the examining physician:
1. The identity of the hazardous chemical(s) to which the employee may have been exposed.
2. A description of the conditions surrounding the exposure, including available quantitative
exposure data.
3. A description of the signs and symptoms of exposure that the employee is experiencing, if any.
GVSU Human Resources shall obtain a written opinion from the examining physician that includes:
1. The results of the medical examination and any associated tests and any recommendation for
further medical follow-up.
2. Any medical condition which may be revealed in the course of the examination which may
place the employee at increased risk as a result of exposure to a hazardous chemical found in
the workplace.
3. A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the results of the
consultation or medical examination and any medical condition that may require further
examination or treatment.
4. The written opinion of the physician shall not reveal specific finding of diagnoses unrelated to
occupational exposure.
Accident records for employees should be written and submitted to the GVSU Human Resources
Department. Forms are available at www.gvsu.edu/hr.
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8.0 APPENDICES
Appendix A GVSU Accident/Injury Report Form
Appendix B Incompatibility of Common Laboratory Chemicals
Appendix C Common Laboratory Flammable and Combustible Chemicals
Appendix D Flammable & Combustible Liquid Containment & Storage Requirements
Appendix E Common Laboratory Corrosives
Appendix F Common Laboratory Oxidizers
Appendix G Common Peroxide Formers & Detection and Inhibition of Peroxides
Appendix H Shock Sensitive and Explosive Chemicals
Appendix I Chemical Safety Laboratory Checklist
Appendix J Policy for Termination of Laboratory
Appendix K Industrial Toxicology-Overview
Appendix L GVSU Respiratory Protection Policy
Appendix M Definitions
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APPENDIX A: GVSU INCIDENT AND INJURY REPORT FORM
Type of incident (check all that apply):
Injury Chemical Spill
Fainting Biological Exposure/Needle-stick
Fire Chemical Exposure
Allergic Reaction
Other:
Date: Time: Location: Course &
Section No.
Was anyone injured? Yes □ No □ If “yes” was it a: Student □ Employee* □ Visitor □
Name of Injured Person Phone Email G Number
Address
Supervising Faculty/Staff Faculty/Staff Name:
Department: Phone:
Describe the incident.
(Include type of injury, likely cause of the incident, emergency response, and any follow-up actions or care provided.)
Were all safety precautions being followed correctly? Yes □ No □ (If no, describe below.)
Was 911 Called? Yes □ No □ Additional Comments
(How could this be prevented in the future? Recommendations for policy, procedure, or equipment changes?)
I certify that the above statements are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge: Faculty/Staff _____________________________________________________ Date ____________________ Student ____________________________________________________________ Date____________________
*Individuals on GVSU payroll with injuries requiring medical attention must also complete a Grand Valley Workers Compensation and Injury Form. Contact Human Resources at 331-2215.
**RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO THE LAB SAFETY OFFICE – 322A PADNOS, ATTN: JIM SEUFERT**
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APPENDIX B: INCOMPATIBILITY OF COMMON LABORATORY CHEMICALS
When certain hazardous chemicals are stored or mixed together, violent reactions may occur because the
chemicals are unsuitable for mixing, or are incompatible. Classes of incompatible chemicals should be
segregated from each other during storage, according to hazard class. Use the following general guidelines for
hazard class storage:
1. Flammable/Combustible Liquids and Organic Acids
2. Flammable Solids
3. Mineral Acids
4. Caustics
5. Oxidizers
6. Perchloric Acid
7. Compressed Gases
Before mixing any chemicals, refer to this partial list, the chemicals' MSDS‟s, or contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to
verify compatibility:
CHEMICAL INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICAL(S)
Acetic acid aldehyde, bases, carbonates, hydroxides, metals, oxidizers, peroxides, phosphates, xylene
Acetylene halogens (chlorine, fluorine, etc.), mercury, potassium, oxidizers, silver
Acetone acids, amines, oxidizers, plastics
Alkali and alkaline earth metals acids, chromium, ethylene, halogens, hydrogen, mercury, nitrogen, oxidizers, plastics, sodium
chloride, sulfur
Ammonia acids, aldehydes, amides, halogens, heavy metals, oxidizers, plastics, sulfur
Ammonium nitrate acids, alkalis, chloride salts, combustible materials, metals, organic materials, phosphorous,
reducing agents, urea
Aniline acids, aluminum, dibenzoyl peroxide, oxidizers, plastics
Azides acids, heavy metals, oxidizers
Bromine acetaldehyde, alcohols, alkalis, amines, combustible materials, ethylene, fluorine, hydrogen,
ketones (acetone, carbonyls, etc.), metals, sulfur
Calcium oxide acids, ethanol, fluorine, organic materials
Carbon (activated) alkali metals, calcium hypochlorite, halogens, oxidizers
Carbon tetrachloride benzoyl peroxide, ethylene, fluorine, metals, oxygen, plastics, silanes
Chlorates powdered metals, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible materials
Chromic acid acetone, alcohols, alkalis, ammonia, bases
Chromium trioxide benzene, combustible materials, hydrocarbons, metals, organic materials, phosphorous, plastics
Chlorine
alcohol's, ammonia, benzene, combustible materials, flammable compounds (hydrazine),
hydrocarbons (acetylene, ethylene, etc.), hydrogen peroxide, iodine, metals, nitrogen, oxygen,
sodium hydroxide
Chlorine dioxide hydrogen, mercury, organic materials, phosphorous, potassium hydroxide, sulfur
Copper calcium, hydrocarbons, oxidizers
Hydroperoxide reducing agents
Cyanides acids, alkaloids, aluminum, iodine, oxidizers, strong bases
Flammable liquids ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium peroxide, halogens
Fluorine alcohol's, aldehydes, ammonia, combustible materials, halocarbons, halogens, hydrocarbons,
ketones, metals, organic acids
Hydrocarbons (Such as butane,
propane benzene, turpentine, etc.) acids, bases, oxidizers, plastics
Hydrofluoric acid metals, organic materials, plastics, silica (glass), (anhydrous) sodium
Hydrogen peroxide acetylaldehyde, acetic acid, acetone, alcohol's carboxylic acid, combustible materials, metals,
39
nitric acid, organic compounds, phosphorous, sulfuric acid, sodium, aniline
Hydrogen sulfide acetylaldehyde, metals, oxidizers, sodium
Hypochlorites acids, activated carbon
Iodine acetylaldehyde, acetylene, ammonia, metals, sodium
Mercury acetylene, aluminum, amines, ammonia, calcium, fulminic acid, lithium, oxidizers, sodium
Nitrates acids, nitrites, metals, sulfur, sulfuric acid
Nitric acid acetic acid, acetonitrile, alcohol's, amines, (concentrated) ammonia, aniline, bases, benzene,
cumene, formic acid, ketones, metals, organic materials, plastics, sodium, toluene
Oxalic acid oxidizers, silver, sodium chlorite
Oxygen
acetaldehyde, secondary alcohol's, alkalis and alkalines, ammonia, carbon monoxide,
combustible materials, ethers, flammable materials, hydrocarbons, metals, phosphorous,
polymers
Perchloric acid acetic acid, alcohols, aniline, combustible materials, dehydrating agents, ethyl benzene, hydriotic
acid, hydrochloric acid, iodides, ketones, organic material, oxidizers, pyridine
Peroxides, organic acids (organic or mineral)
Phosphorus (white) oxygen (pure and in air), alkalis
Potassium acetylene, acids, alcohols, halogens, hydrazine, mercury, oxidizers, selenium, sulfur
Potassium chlorate acids, ammonia, combustible materials, fluorine, hydrocarbons, metals, organic materials, sugars
Potassium perchlorate (also see
chlorates)
alcohols, combustible materials, fluorine, hydrazine, metals, organic matter, reducing agents,
sulfuric acid
Potassium permanganate benzaldehyde, ethylene glycol, glycerol, sulfuric acid
Silver acetylene, ammonia, oxidizers, ozonides, peroxyformic acid
Sodium acids, hydrazine, metals, oxidizers, water
Sodium nitrate acetic anhydride, acids, metals, organic matter, peroxyformic acid, reducing agents
Sodium peroxide acetic acid, benzene, hydrogen sulfide metals, oxidizers, peroxyformic acid, phosphorous,
reducers, sugars, water
Sulfides Acids
Sulfuric acid potassium chlorates, potassium perchlorate, potassium permanganate
References:
Material Safety Data Sheets, various chemical companies.
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APPENDIX C: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE AND CONTAINMENT
Flammable and combustible chemicals are the most commonly used hazardous chemicals. The hazard of a
flammable or combustible chemical is based on its flash point, and, in the case of a flammable chemical, its
boiling point as well. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has identified flammability classes from
the flash point and boiling point data of chemicals. The following table lists some common flammable and
combustible chemicals, their flash points and boiling points, and associated NFPA flammability classes:
Chemical Flash Point Boiling Point NFPA
Class ° F ° C ° F ° C
Acetaldehyde -38 -39 69 21 IA
Dimethyl sulfide -36 -38 99 37 IA
Ethyl ether -49 -45 95 35 IA
Ethylene oxide -20 -29 55 13 IA
Pentane -57 -49 97 36 IA
Propane -157 -105 -44 -42 IA
Benzene 12 -11 176 80 IB
Carbon disulfide -22 -30 115 46 IB
Cyclohexane -4 -20 179 81 IB
Ethyl alcohol 55 13 173 78 IB
n-Hexane -7 -22 156 69 IB
Isopropyl alcohol 53 12 180 82 IB
Methyl alcohol 52 11 149 65 IB
Methyl ethyl ketone 16 -9 176 80 IB
Pyridine 68 20 239-
241 116 IB
Tetrahydrofuran 6 -14 153 67 IB
Toluene 40 4 231 111 IB
Triethylamine 20 -7 193 89 IB
tert Butyl isocyanate 80 27 185-
187 85-86 IC
Chemical Flash Point
Boiling
Point
Boiling Point
NFPA
Class ° F ° C ° F ° C
Chlorobenzene 82 28 270 132 IC
Epichlorohydrin 88 31 239-
243
115-
117 IC
2-Nitropropane 75 24 248 120 IC
Xylene 81-90 27-
32
280-
291
138-
144 IC
Acetic Acid, glacial 103 39 244 48 II
Bromobenzene 118 48 307-
316
153-
158 II
Formic Acid 156 69 213 101 II
Morpholine 100 38 263 128 II
Stoddard Solvent 100-
140
38-
60
300-
400
150-
200 II
Benzaldehyde 145 63 352 178 IIIA
Cyclohexanol 154 68 322 161 IIIA
Methacrylic Acid 170 77 316 158 IIIA
Nitrobenzene 190 88 412 211 IIIA
Tetrahydronaphthalene 160 71 406 208 IIIA
Benzyl Alcohol 213 101 401 205 IIIB
Caproic Acid 215 102 400 204 IIIB
Ethylene Glycol 232 111 388 198 IIIB
Phenyl Ether 239 115 498 258 IIIB
Stearic Acid 385 196 726 386 IIIB
References: Material Safety Data Sheets and the National Fire Protection Agency document "NFPA 321: Classification of
Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 1991 Edition."
Flammable and Combustible Liquid Containment and Storage Requirements
Containment:
Only approved containers and metal portable tanks authorized by NFPA 30 shall be used to store flammable liquids.
Flammable Class Combustible Class
Container IA IB IC II III
Glass 1 pt* 1 qt* 1 gal 1 gal 5 gal
Metal or Approved Plastic 1 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal
Safety Cans 2 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal
Metal Drums 60 gal 60 gal 60 gal 60 gal 60 gal
Approved Metal Portable Tanks 660 gal 660 gal 660 gal 660 gal 660 gal
Polyethylene 1 gal 5 gal 5 gal 60 gal 60 gal
*Class IA and IB liquids may be stored up to one gallon in glass containers if liquid purity would be affected by storage in
metal containers or if metal containers could undergo excessive corrosion by the contained liquid.
41
Storage
Only NFPA 45 approved amounts of flammable liquids shall be stored in laboratory units outside of flammable liquid
storage rooms.
Flammable / Combustible
Class
Maximum Quantity per 100ft2 of Laboratory
Unit
Maximum Quantity per Laboratory
Unit
List as Class A Lab Unsprinklered Sprinklered
I 20 gallons 600 gallons 1200 gallons
I, II and IIIA 40 gallons 800 gallons 1600 gallons
List as Class B Lab
I 10 gallons 300 gallons 600 gallons
I, II and IIIA 20 gallons 400 gallons 800 gallons
List as Class C Lab
I 4 gallons 150 gallons 300 gallons
I, II and IIIA 8 gallons 200 gallons 400 gallons
The amounts above include quantities stored in approved storage cabinets and safety cans. Allowable quantities
stored outside of approved storage cabinets and safety cans are 50% of the quantities listed above.
Laboratories listed as Class A shall be considered high hazard laboratories and shall not be used as instructional
laboratories.
Laboratories listed as Class B shall be considered intermediate hazard laboratories.
Laboratories listed as Class C shall be considered low hazard laboratories.
Should Class B or C laboratories be used for instructional purposes, quantities of flammable and
combustible liquids shall be 50% of those listed in the above table.
42
APPENDIX D: COMMON LABORATORY CORROSIVES
ORGANIC ACIDS ORGANIC BASES INORGANIC ACIDS
Formic Acid Ethylenediamine Hydrofluoric Acid
Acetic Acid (Glacial) Ethylimine Hydrochloric Acid
Propionic Acid Tetramethylethylenediamine Hydrobromic Acid
Butyric Acid Hexamethylenediamine Hydriotic Acid
Chloroacetic Acid Trimethylamine aq. soln. Sulfuric Acid
Trichloroacetic Acid Triethylamine ChromergeTM
Acetyl Chloride Phenylhydrazine No-ChromixTM
Acetyl Bromide Piperazine Chlorosulfonic Acid
Chloroacetyl Chloride Hydroxylamine Sulfuryl Chloride
Oxalic Acid Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide Bromine Pentafluoride
Propionyl Chloride Thionyl Chloride
Propionyl Bromide ELEMENTS Tin Chloride
Acetic Anhydride Fluorine (gas) Tin Bromide
Methyl Chloroformate Chlorine (gas) Titanium Tetrachloride
Dimethyl Sulfate Bromine (liquid) Perchloric Acid
Chlorotrimethylsilane Iodine (crystal) Nitric Acid
Dichlorodimethylsilane Phosphorus Phosphoric Acid
Phenol Phosphorus Trichloride
Benzoyl Chloride Phosphorus Tribromide
Benzoyl Bromide INORGANIC BASES Phosphorus Pentachloride
Benzyl Chloride Ammonium Hydroxide Phosphorus Pentoxide
Benzyl Bromide Calcium Hydroxide
Salicylic Acid Sodium Hydroxide
Potassium Hydroxide ACID SALTS
Calcium Hydride Aluminum Trichloride
Sodium Hydride Antimony Trichloride
Hydrazine Ammonium Bifluoride
Ammonium Sulfide Calcium Fluoride
Calcium Oxide Ferric Chloride
Sodium Bisulfate
Sodium Fluoride
References:
The Foundations of Laboratory Safety, S. R. Rayburn, 1990.
Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, National Research Council, 1981.
Improving Safety in the Chemical Laboratory, 2nd Ed., J. A. Young, 1991.
Material Safety Data Sheets, various chemical companies.
43
APPENDIX E: COMMON LABORATORY OXIDIZERS
Oxidizers react with other chemicals by giving off electrons and undergoing reduction. Uncontrolled reactions
of oxidizers may result in a fire or an explosion, causing severe property damage or personal injury. Use
oxidizers with extreme care and caution and follow all safe handling guidelines specified in the MSDS.
Bleach
Nitrites
Bromates
Nitrous oxide
Bromine
Ozanates
Butadiene
Oxides
Chlorates
Oxygen
Chloric Acid
Oxygen difluoride
Chlorine
Ozone
Chlorite
Peracetic Acid
Chromates
Perhaloate
Chromic Acid
Perborates
Dichromates
Percarbonates
Fluorine
Perchlorates
Haloate
Perchloric Acid
Halogens
Permanganates
Hydrogen Peroxide
Peroxides
Hypochlorites
Persulfate
Iodates
Sodium Borate Perhydrate
Mineral Acid
Sulfuric Acid
Nitrates
Nitric Acid
44
APPENDIX F: PEROXIDIZABLE CHEMICALS
Part A. Chemicals that form explosive levels of peroxides without concentration
Butadienea Divinylacetylene Tetrafluoroethylene
a Vinylidene chloride Chloroprene
a Isopropyl ether
Part B. Chemicals that form explosive levels of peroxides on concentration
Acetal Diacetylene 2-Hexanol 2-Phenylethanol
Acetaldehyde Dicyclopentadiene Methylacetylene 2-Propanol
Benzyl alcohol Diethyl ether 3-Methyl-1-butanol Tetrahydroforan
2-Butanol Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether Methylcyclopentane Tetrahydronaphthalene
Cumene (diglyme) Methyl isobutyl ketone Vinyl ethers
Cyclohexanol Dioxanes 4-Methyl-2-pentanol Other secondary alcohols
2-Cyclohexen-1-ol Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether 2-Penten-1-ol
Cyclohexene (glyme) 4-Penten-1-ol
Decahydronaphthalene 4-Heptanol 1-Phenylethanol
Part C. Chemicals that may autopolymerize because of peroxide accumulation
Acrylic acidb Chlorotrifluoroethylene Vinyl acetate Chloroprene
c Vinyladiene chloride
Acrylonitrileb Methyl methacrylate
b Vinylacetylene Tetrafluoroethylene
c
Butadienec Styrene Vinyl chloride Vinylpyridine
Part D. Chemicals that may form peroxides but cannot clearly be placed in sections A-C
Acrolein tert-Butyl methyl ether Di(1-propynyl) etherf 4-Methyl-2-pentanone
Allyl etherd n-Butyl phenyl ether Di(2-propynyl) ether n-Methylphenetole
Allyl ethyl ether n-Butyl vinyl ether Di-n-propoxymethaned 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran
Allyl phenyl ether Chloroacetaldehyde diethylacetald 1,2-Epoxy-3-isopropoxypropaned 3-Methoxy-1-butyl acetate
p-(n-Amyloxy)benzoyl chloride 2-Chlorobutadiene 1,2-Epoxy-3-phenoxypropane 2-Methoxyethanol
n-Amyl ether 1-(2-Chloroethoxy)-2-phen-
oxyethane
Ethoxyacetophenone 3-Methoxyethyl acetate
Benzyl n-butyl etherd 1-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate 2-Methoxyethyl vinyl ether
Benzyl etherd Chloroethylene 2-Ethoxyethyl acetate Methoxy-1,3,5,7-cycloocta
Tetraene Benzyl ethyl etherd Chloromethyl methyl ethere (2-Ethoxyethyl)-o-benzoyl
Benzoate Benzyl methyl ether §-Chlorophenetole §-Methoxypropionitrile
Benzyl 1-naphthyl etherd o-Chlorophenetole 1-Ethoxynaphthalene m-Nitrophenetole
1,2-Bis(2-chloroethoxy)ethane p-Chlorophenetole o,p-Ethoxyphenyl isocyanate 1-Octene
Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) ether Cyclooctened 1-Ethoxy-2-propyne Oxybis(2-ethyl acetate)
Bis(2-(methoxyethoxy)ethyl)
ether
Cyclopropyl methyl ether 3-Ethoxyopropionitrile Oxybis(2-ethyl benzoate)
Diallyl etherd 2-Ethylacrylaldehyde oxime §,§-Oxydipropionitrile
Bis(2-chloroethyl) ether p-Di-n-butoxybenzene 2-Ethylbutanol 1-Pentene
Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) adipate 1,2-Dibenzyloxyethaned Ethyl §-ethoxypropionate Phenoxyacetyl chloride
45
Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) phthalate p-Dibenzyloxybenzened 2-Ethylhexanal Œ-Phenoxypropionyl chloride
Bis(2-methoxyethyl) carbonate 1,2-Dichloroethyl ethyl ether Ethyl vinyl ether Phenyl o-propyl ether
Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether 2,4-Dichlorophenetole Furan p-Phenylphenetone
Bis(2-methoxyethyl)phthalate Diethoxymethaned 2,5-Hexadiyn-1-ol n-Propylether
Bis(2-methoxymethyl) adipate 2,2-Diethoxypropane 4,5-Hexadien-2-yn-1-ol n-Propyl isopropyl ether
Bis(2-n-butoxyethyl) phthalate Diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate n-Hexyl ether Sodium 8,11,14-eicosa
Tetraenoate Bis(2-phenoxyethyl) ether Diethyl fumarated o,p-Iodophenetole
Bis(4-chlorobutyl) ether Diethyl acetaldIsoamyl benzyl etherd Sodium ethoxyacetylidef
Bis(chloromethyl) ethere Diethylketenef Isoamyl etherd Tetrahydropyran
2-Bromomethyl ethyl ether m,o,p-Diethoxybenzene Isobutyl vinyl ether Triethylene glycol diacetate
§-Bromophenetole 1,2-Diethoxyethane Isophoroned Triethylene glycol dipropionate
o-Bromophenetole Dimethoxymethaned p-Isopropoxypropionitriled 1,3,3-Trimethoxypropened
p-Bromophenetole 1,1-Dimethoxyethaned Isopropyl 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy-
Acetate
1,1,2,3-Tetrachloro-1,3-
Butadiene 3-Bromopropyl phenyl ether Dimethylketenef
1,3-Butadiyne 3,3-Dimethoxypropene Limonene 4-Vinyl cyclohexene
Buten-3-yne 2,4-Dinitrophenetole 1,5-p-Methadiene Vinylenecarbonate
tert-Butyl ethyl ether 1,3-Dioxepaned Methyl p-(n-amyloxy)benzoate Vinylidene chiorided
a. When stored as a liquid monomer
b. Although these chemicals form peroxides, no explosions involving these monomers
c. When stored in liquid form, these chemicals form explosive levels of peroxides without concentration. They may also be stored as a gas in gas cylinders. When stored as a gas, these chemicals may
autopolymerize because of peroxide accumulation.
d. These chemicals easily form peroxides and should probably be considered under part B. e. OSHA-regulated carcinogen
f. Extremely reactive and unstable compound.
Safe Storage Period for Peroxide Forming Chemicals
Description Period
Unopened chemicals from manufacturer 18 months
Opened containers Chemicals in Part A 3 months
Chemicals in Parts B and D 12 months
Uninhibited chemicals in Part C 24 hours
Inhibited chemicals in Part C 12 monthsa
**Do not store under inert atmosphere, oxygen required for inhibitor to function.**
DETECTION AND INHIBITION OF PEROXIDES BASIC PROTOCOLS
Ferrous Thiocyanate Detection Method
Ferrous thiocyanate will detect hydroperoxides with the following test:
1. Mix a solution of 5 ml of 1 % ferrous ammonium sulfate, 0.5 ml of 1 N sulfuric acid and 0.5 ml of 0.1 N
ammonium thiocyanate (if necessary decolorize with a trace of zinc dust)
2. Shake with an equal quantity of the solvent to be tested
3. If peroxides are present, a red color will develop
46
Potassium Iodide Detection Method
1. Add 1 ml of a freshly prepared 10% solution of potassium iodide to 10 ml of ethyl ether in a 25 ml
glass-stoppered cylinder of colorless glass protected from light (both components are clear)
2. A resulting yellow color indicates the presence of 0.005% peroxides
Inhibition of Peroxides
1. Storage and handling under an inert atmosphere is a useful precaution
2. Addition of 0.001 % hydroquinone, diphenylamine, polyhydroxyphenols, aminophenols, or arylamines
may stabilize ethers and inhibit formation of peroxides.
3. Dowex-1R has been reported effective for inhibiting peroxide formation in ethyl ether.
4. 100 ppm of 1-naphthol effective for peroxide inhibition in isopropyl ether.
5. Hydroquinone effective for peroxide inhibition in tetrahydrofuran.
6. Stannous chloride or ferrous sulfate effective for peroxide inhibition in dioxane.
Peroxides Test Strips
These test strips are available from EM Scientific, cat. No. 10011-1 or from Lab Safety Supply, cat. No. 1162.
These strips quantify peroxides up to a concentration of 25 ppm. Aldrich Chemical has a peroxide test strip, cat.
No. Z10, 168-0, that measure up to 100 ppm peroxide. The actual concentration at which peroxides become
hazardous is not specifically stated in the literature. A number of publications use 100 ppm as a control valve
for managing the material safely.
Please note that these methods are BASIC protocols. Should a researcher perform one of these
methods, all safety precautions should be thoroughly researched.
Sources:
1. Furr, Keith Handbook of Lab Safety, 4th
ed., CRC Press, 1995
2. Kelly, Richard J., Review of Safety Guidelines for Peroxidizable Organic Chemicals, Chemical Health & Safety,
American Chemical Society, Sept./Oct. 1996 3. Sources: Kelly, Richard J., Chemical Health & Safety, American Chemical Society, 1996, Sept, 28-36Revised 12/97
47
APPENDIX G: SHOCK SENSITIVE AND EXPLOSIVE CHEMICALS
Shock sensitive refers to the susceptibility of a chemical to rapidly decompose or explode when struck, vibrated or otherwise agitated.
Explosive chemicals are those chemicals that have a higher propensity to explode under a given set of circumstances than other
chemicals (extreme heat, pressure, mixture with an incompatible chemical, etc.). The label and MSDS will indicate if a chemical is
shock sensitive or explosive. The chemicals listed below may be shock sensitive or explode under a given number of circumstances and
are listed only as a guide to some shock sensitive or explosive chemicals. Follow these guidelines:
1. Write the date received and date opened on all containers of shock sensitive chemicals. Some chemicals become increasingly
shock sensitive with age.
2. Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, closed containers of shock sensitive materials should be discarded after 1
year. 3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling shock sensitive chemicals.
acetylene fulminate of mercury nitroguanidine
acetylides of heavy metal fulminate of silver nitroparaffins
amatex ethylene oxide nitrourea
amatol ethyl-tetryl organic nitramines
ammonal fulminating gold ozonides
ammonium nitrate fulminating mercury pentolite
ammonium perchlorate fulminating platinum perchlorates of heavy metals
ammonium picrate fulminating silver peroxides
azides of heavy metals gelatinized nitrocellulose picramic acid
baratol Guanyl picramide
calcium nitrate guanyl nitrsamino picratol
chlorate Guanyltetrazene picric acid
copper acetylide Hydrazine picryl sulphonic acid
cyanuric triazide nitrated carbohydrate silver acetylide
cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine nitrated glucoside silver azide
dinitrophenol nitrogen triiodide tetranitromethane
dinitrophenyl hydrazine nitrogen trichloride
dinitrotoluene Nitroglycerin
ednatol Nitroglycide
erythritol tetranitrate Nitroglycol
Mixtures:
germanium Tetracene
hexanitrodiphenyamine Tetrytol
hexanitrostilbene Trimethylolethane
hexogen Trimonite
hydrazoic acid Trinitroanisole
lead azide Trinitrobenzene
lead mononitroresorcinate trinitrobenzoic acid
lead styphnate Trinitrocresol
mannitol hexanitrate Trinitroresorcinol
sodium picramate Tritonal
tetranitrocarbazole urea nitrate
References: Material Safety Data Sheets, various chemical companies
48
APPENDIX H: GVSU CHEMICAL SAFETY LABORATORY CHECKLIST
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY – LAB SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Principal Investigator Department Location (Room & Bldg.): Inspected By: Date:
Description of Lab Operations:
General Safety
Item Description Yes No N/A
1 Chemical inventory and MSDS‟s maintained and up-to-date.
2 Current emergency contact information posted in the Information Management System.
3 A telephone or cell phone is available and emergency contact numbers are posted in the lab
4 The PI, paid employees, and research staff have completed Lab Safety Training
5 The PI has evaluated the hazards associated with the procedures, chemicals, and equipment in the lab and,
where needed, has made standard operating procedures available to lab staff
6 The PI provides adequate supervision to research staff, reports all accidents/injuries to CHO
7 No food and beverages rules are observed
8 Hand sink (w/ soap), first aid kit and spill kit are available
9 Special hazards (UV, radiation, biohazards, lasers, etc) clearly identified upon entering the lab
Housekeeping & Fire Protection
10 Laboratory work surfaces, floors, and storage areas are clean and uncluttered
11 Unobstructed access to exits, fire extinguishers, safety showers and eyewashes
12 Electrical cords in good condition, no permanent extension cords, and properly grounded
13 Sprinkler heads are unobstructed and in good condition
14 Glassware and equipment are in good condition and free from defects
15 Flammable materials are stored away from ignition sources
16 Bulk quantities of flammables stored in flammable storage cabinets
Chemical Storage
17 All containers are labeled, in good condition, and not leaking
18 Incompatible materials are segregated
19 Corrosives and flammables stored below eye level
20 Peroxide forming agents dated and disposed or tested if past the expiration date
21 Bench storage of chemicals kept to a minimum
22 Unnecessary, unused, or outdated materials are removed from labs or storage areas
23 Cylinders properly secured, stored (fuel & oxygen separated, away from heat), labeled with contents or
“empty”, and capped when not in use. Hoses and connections in good condition.
24 Refrigerators storing flammable materials are designed for use with flammable materials
25 No toxic or poisonous gasses used
26 Particularly hazardous substances (high acute/chronic toxicity, infectious agents, select carcinogens,
reproductive toxins, etc.) are properly identified and stored
Personal Protection
27 Eye protection and appropriate gloves are available and properly used in all laboratories
28 Proper dress and closed-toed footwear rules are enforced, lab coats available if necessary
29 Safety showers & eyewashes are appropriately located and tested
30 The PI has developed policies for working alone and unattended operations
31 Fume hoods are operating properly, inspected annually, clean, and not used for storage
32 Biosafety cabinet is clean, inspected in the past 12 months, UV off
Waste Handling
33 Staff have made determinations for proper disposal of all waste streams generated in the lab
34 Waste streams are separated (ex: halogenated solvents, corrosives, liquid or solid, biological)
35 Hazardous waste containers are clearly labeled and closed when not in use
36 Syringes and other sharp waste is disposed in a biohazardous sharps container
49
APPENDIX I: TERMINATION OF LABORATORY USE OF HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
Whenever a Laboratory Supervisor (or a person under their charge performing work with hazardous materials in their
laboratory) leaves the university or is transferred to a different location, proper disposition of hazardous materials is
required. This includes faculty, staff, post-doctoral and graduate students.
If improper management of hazardous materials at closeout requires removal services from an outside contractor, the
responsible department will be charged for this service.
Hazardous Chemical Disposal in Laboratories and Containment Areas The following procedures should be completed before the responsible individual leaves the university or
transfers to a different location on campus.
Assure that all containers of chemicals are labeled with the name of the chemical. All containers must be
securely closed. Beakers, flasks, evaporating dishes, etc., should be emptied. Hazardous chemical wastes
must not be sewered or trashed; they must be collected for disposal.
Clean chemicals from glassware and assure proper waste disposal guidelines are followed. Never pour
chemical residues down the sink unless it is specified by the Chemical Hygiene Officer that this is the safe
and preferred method of disposal.
Check refrigerators, freezers, fume hoods, storage cabinets, and bench tops for chemical containers and
thoroughly clean these locations.
If another room or facility (such as a freezer or refrigerator, stock rooms, etc.) is shared with other researchers,
remove, transfer, or dispose of items used by the departing researcher.
Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer for pick-up of hazardous waste at least one week prior to vacating the
lab.
For gas cylinders, remove regulators, replace cap and return to supplier. Gas cylinders used in the
containment area must be decontaminated prior to return.
As an alternative to disposal, if the chemical is still usable, transfer the responsibility of the chemical to a
supervisor who is willing to take charge of the chemical.
Follow all guidelines for disposal of unwanted chemicals. Hazardous waste chemicals should be placed in
the Hazardous waste disposal room (Padnos loading area) provided:
All chemical containers are properly labeled as "hazardous waste" and are accompanied with a completely
filled out hazardous waste tag.
All containers are securely closed.
Notify the department when laboratories or containment area/rooms have been cleared.
Transportation of Chemicals on Campus
The following procedures should be completed by individuals who have usable chemicals that are to be
moved to a different laboratory.
Assure that all containers of chemicals are labeled with the name of the chemical. All containers must be
securely closed. Beakers, flasks, evaporating dishes, etc., should be emptied. Stock solutions should be
transferred to containers intended for use in transportation such as screw cap bottles. Transportation
requirements for usable chemicals are the same as that for hazardous waste.
Chemicals offered for shipment must be grouped together on lab benches or on shelves to facilitate removal.
For gas cylinders, remove regulators and replace cap. Attach a tag with the name of the person responsible
for the material, a contact person, and a phone number.
A licensed transporter should be contacted to package and deliver the materials to the new location. The
Chemical Hygiene Officer will help in making a proper selection.
Persons intending to transport chemical materials themselves should contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
50
Disposal of Controlled Substances The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) issues permits for controlled substances. There are
several considerations when disposing of controlled substances.
Abandonment of a controlled substance is a violation of the DEA permit under which it is held.
Permission to transfer ownership of a controlled substance must be received from the DEA.
If controlled substances for which the licensee is unknown are found, contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
Controlled substances being held by a licensed individual and to be surrendered for destruction must be
inventoried on DEA Form 41 and mailed to:
Drug and Laboratory Disposal Inc.
331 Broad St.
Plainwell, MI 49081-1439
tel: 800-685-9824
fax: 616-685-1130
Disposal of Biological Materials
Animal Tissue If tissue is held in a liquid preservative, the tissue and liquid should be separated.
Large animal parts or whole animals will be picked up by Drug and Laboratory Disposal Inc and incinerated.
Small animal parts and tissues should be placed in a biohazard waste bag for incineration.
Liquid preservative usually needs to be disposed as a hazardous waste. Contact the CHO for assistance. Do
not assume that the preservative can be sewered.
If appropriate disposal is uncertain, contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
Defrost and clean refrigerators and freezers if they are empty.
If samples need to be saved, locate the supervisor to take responsibility for them.
Microorganisms and Cultures Use an autoclave to decontaminate all liquid culture waste, and dispose of it as the policy states.
If the material cannot be decontaminated, place it in a biohazard bag for incineration.
Clean and disinfect incubators, drying or curing ovens, refrigerators and freezers.
If samples need to be saved, locate the supervisor to take responsibility for them.
Transportation of Biological Materials on Campus All biological materials* that are of potential risk to humans and/or animals must be stored and transported in a
primary and secondary container. Primary containers can be culture tubes, flasks, vials etc. All containers must meet
the following requirements:
Rigid
Puncture resistant
Leak proof
Impervious to moisture
Of sufficient strength to prevent tearing or bursting under normal conditions of use and handling
Sealed to prevent leakage during transport
Labeled with a biohazard or infectious substance label
All containers should be accompanied by a list of content, the person responsible for this material, a contact person and
phone number.
If materials are to be transported in liquid nitrogen or with other protection from ambient or higher temperatures, all
containers and packaging should be capable withstanding very low temperatures, and both primary and secondary
packaging must be able to withstand a pressure differential of at least 95 kPa and temperatures in the range of -40 ° C
to +50 ° C. If the material is perishable, warnings should appear on accompanying documents, e.g., "Keep cool,
between +2 ° C and +4 ° C."
For all shipment requirements of biological materials off campus contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
* Infectious substances: viable microorganisms, including a bacterium, virus, rickettsia, fungus, or a recombinant,
hybrid or mutant, that are known or reasonably believed to cause disease in animals or humans.
51
* Diagnostic specimens: any human or animal material including but not limited to, excreta, secreta, blood and its
components, tissue and tissue fluids.
Radioisotopes
Close Out Procedures for Radioactive Materials Use Areas For appropriate close out procedures for Radioactive Materials, please contact the Radiation Safety
Officer (www.gvsu.edu/radsafety)
Equipment If laboratory equipment is to be left for the next occupant, clean or decontaminate it before departing the
laboratory. Attached is an Equipment Release Form that should be used to certify that the equipment was
decontaminated. If exhaust or filtration equipment has been used with extremely hazardous substances or
organisms, alert the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
If laboratory equipment is to be discarded, be aware that capacitors, transformers, mercury switches, mercury
thermometers, radioactive sources, and chemicals must be removed before disposal. Contact the Tony Nieuwkoop
for assistance.
Equipment potentially contaminated with radioisotopes must be surveyed by Tony Nieuwkoop or the Chemical
Hygiene Officer prior to release or use by other persons.
Shared Storage Areas One of the most problematic situations is the sharing of storage units such as refrigerators, freezers, cold rooms,
stock rooms, waste collection areas, etc., particularly if no one has been assigned to manage the unit. Departing
researchers must carefully survey any shared facility in order to locate and appropriately dispose of their
hazardous materials.
Regulatory Impact Mishandling of hazardous materials can result in citations, fines, and/or loss of right to use hazardous materials.
Adverse publicity is also a frequent result.
52
APPENDIX J: INDUSTRIAL TOXICOLOGY – OVERVIEW
Chemical Toxicology Toxicology: The study of the nature and action of chemical poisons.
Toxicity: The ability of a chemical molecule or compound to injure a susceptible site in or on the body.
Toxicity hazard: The probability that injury will occur considering the manner in which the substance is used.
Dose-Response Relationship The potential toxicity (harmful action) of a substance is exhibited only when that substance comes in contact with a
biological system. A chemical that may seem "harmless" may evoke a toxic response if added to a biological system
in sufficient amount. The toxicity of a chemical is defined by the response that is produced in a biological system.
Routes of Entry into the Body 1. Inhalation: Absorption through the respiratory tract. Most important in terms of severity.
2. Skin absorption or absorption through the mucous membranes.
3. Ingestion: Absorption through the digestive tract. Can occur through eating or smoking with contaminated hands
or in contaminated work areas.
4. Injection: Introduction of toxin into bloodstream; can occur by needle stick or skin puncture by a sharp object.
Exposure Limits as Related to Routes of Entry Most exposure standards are based on the inhalation route of exposure. They are normally expressed in terms of
parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m) concentration in air.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have established Permissible Exposure Limits
(PELs) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has established Threshold
Limit Values (TLV's) for employee exposure limits. Often the PEL and TLV are the same number. In the
instances where one is lower than the other, it is prudent to maintain exposures at the lowest level achievable.
If a significant route of exposure for a substance is through skin contact, the TLV or PEL will have a "skin"
notation. Examples are pesticides, carbon tetrachloride, cyanides, ethylenediamine, and thallium.
For a more complete list of PEL‟s and TLV‟s see the ACGIH publication "Threshold Limit Values for Chemical
Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices.” The latest editions list both TLV's and PELs.
Types of Effects Acute poisoning is characterized by rapid absorption of the substance when the exposure is sudden and severe.
Normally, a single large exposure is involved. Examples are carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning.
Chronic poisoning is characterized by prolonged or repeated exposures over time. Symptoms may not be
immediately apparent. Examples are lead or mercury poisoning, or pesticide exposure.
Local refers to the site of action of an agent where the action takes place at the point or area of contact. The site
may be skin, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, eyes, etc. Absorption does not
necessarily occur. Examples are strong acids or alkalis.
Systemic refers to a site of action other than the point of contact and presupposes absorption has taken place. For
example, an inhaled material may act on the liver. For example, inhaled benzene affects the bone marrow.
Cumulative poisons are characterized by materials that tend to build up in the body as a result of numerous
chronic exposures. The effects are not seen until a critical body burden is reached. Examples are heavy metals.
Synergistic or potentiating effects occur when two or more hazardous materials present at the same time have a
resulting action greater than the effect predicted based on the individual substances. For example, workers
exposed to benzene may show a direct toxicity in hematopoietic tissue and therefore be more susceptible to
oxygen-displacing agents such as carbon monoxide.
Other Factors Affecting Toxicity Rate of entry and route of exposure - how fast the toxic dose is delivered and by what means.
Age - can affect the capacity to repair damaged tissue.
Previous exposure - can lead to tolerance, increased sensitivity, or make no difference.
State of health, medications, physical condition, and life style: Pre-existing disease can result in increased
sensitivity.
Environmental factors - temperature and pressure, for example, can affect exposure.
Host factors - genetic predisposition and the sex of the exposed individual.
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Physical Class Affects on Toxicity When considering the toxicity of gases and vapors, the solubility of the substance is a key factor. Highly soluble
materials like ammonia irritate the upper respiratory tract. On the other hand, relatively insoluble materials like
nitrogen dioxide penetrate deep into the lung. Fat-soluble materials, like pesticides, tend to have longer residence
times in the body.
An aerosol is composed of solid or liquid particles of microscopic size dispersed in a gaseous medium. The toxic
potential of an aerosol is only partially described by its concentration in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). For
a proper assessment of the toxic hazard, the size of the aerosol's particles is important. Particles above 1
micrometer tend to deposit in the upper respiratory tract. Particles less than 1 micrometer in diameter enter the
lung. Very small particles (< 0.2 5m) are generally not deposited.
Physiological Classifications of Toxic Materials Irritants are materials that cause inflammation of mucous membranes with which they come in contact.
Inflammation of tissue results from concentration far below those needed to cause corrosion. Long-term exposure
to irritants can result in increased mucous secretions and chronic bronchitis. Examples include:
ammonia phosgene alkaline dusts - mists diethyl sulfate
hydrogen chloride nitrogen dioxide hydrogen fluoride Dimethyl sulfate
halogens Arsenic trichloride Ozone phosphorus chlorides
Irritants can also cause changes in the mechanics of respiration and lung function. Examples include:
sulfur dioxide iodine acetic acid sulfuric acid
formaldehyde acrolein formic acid
A primary irritant exerts no systemic toxic action because the products formed on the tissue of the
respiratory tract are non-toxic or because the irritant action is far in excess of any systemic toxic action.
Example: hydrogen chloride.
A secondary irritant's effect on mucous membranes is over-shadowed by a systemic effect resulting
from absorption. Examples include hydrogen sulfide or aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure to a secondary
irritant can result in pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, and tissue necrosis.
Corrosives are chemicals that may cause visible destruction of or irreversible alterations in living tissue by
chemical action at the site of contact. Examples include sulfuric acid, chromic acid, potassium hydroxide, and
sodium hydroxide.
Asphyxiants have the ability to deprive tissue of oxygen.
Simple asphyxiants are inert gases that displace oxygen. Examples include:
nitrogen carbon dioxide hydrogen nitrous oxide
Chemical asphyxiants render the body incapable of utilizing an adequate oxygen supply. They are toxic
at very low concentrations (few ppm). Examples include:
carbon monoxide cyanides hydrogen sulfide
Primary anesthetics have a depressant effect upon the central nervous system, particularly the brain. Examples
include:
halogenated hydrocarbons alcohols
Hepatotoxic agents cause damage to the liver. Examples include:
carbon tetrachloride Nitrosamines tetrachloroethane
Nephrotoxic agents cause damage to the kidneys. Examples include:
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halogenated hydrocarbons uranium compounds
Neurotoxic agents damage the nervous system. The nervous system is especially sensitive to organometallic
compounds and certain sulfide compounds. Examples include:
trialkyl tin compounds thallium methyl mercury carbon disulfide
organic phosphorus insecticides tetraethyl lead manganese
Hematopoietic (blood) system agents either directly affect blood cells or bone marrow. Examples include:
nitrites benzene aniline
toluidine nitrobenzene
Pulmonary tissue (lungs) agents can be toxic, through other mean than by immediate irritant action. Fibrotic
changes can be caused by free crystalline silica and asbestos. Other dusts can cause a restrictive disease called
pneumoconiosis. Examples include:
coal dust cotton dust wood dust
A teratogen (embryo toxic or fetotoxic agent) is an agent that interferes with normal embryonic development
without damage to the mother or lethal effect on the fetus. Effects are not hereditary. Examples include:
lead dibromo dichloropropane
A mutagen is a chemical agent that may able to react with nucleophilic structures such as DNA. Mutations can
occur on the gene level (gene mutations) when, for example, one nucleotide base pair is change to another.
Mutations can also occur on the chromosomal level (chromosomal mutations) when the number of chromosomal
units or their morphological structure is altered. Examples of mutagens include most radioisotopes, barium
permanganate, and methyl isocyanate.
A sensitizer causes a substantial proportion of exposed people to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue
after repeated exposure to the chemical. The reaction may be as mild as a rash (contact dermatitis) or as serious as
anaphylactic shock. Examples include:
· epoxides · amines · toluene diisocyanate · nickel compounds
· poison ivy · formaldehyde · chlorinated hydrocarbons · chromium compounds
TARGET ORGAN EFFECTS The following is a target organ categorization of effects, which may occur from exposure to hazardous chemicals,
including examples of signs and symptoms, and chemicals that have been found to cause such effects.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS EXAMPLES INCLUDE
Hepatotoxins (liver) jaundice, liver enlargement carbon tetrachloride, nitrosamines, chloroform, toluene,
perchloroethylene, cresol, dimethylsulfate
Nephrotoxins (kidney) edema, proteinuria halogenated hydrocarbons, uranium, chloroform, mercury,
dimethyl sulfate Neurotoxins (nervous system) narcosis, behavioral changes,
decreased muscle coordination mercury, carbon disulfide, benzene, carbon tetrachloride,
lead, mercury, nitrobenzene Hematopoietic (blood) system cyanosis, loss of consciousness. carbon monoxide, cyanides, nitrobenzene, aniline, arsenic,
benzene, toluene Pulmonary (lung) system cough, tightness in chest, shortness
of breath. silica asbestos, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, hydrogen sulfide
chromium, nickel, alcohol. Reproductive system
(mutations and teratogenesis) birth defects sterility. lead, dibromo dichloropropane.
Skin (dermal layer) defatting of skin, rashes, irritation. ketones, chlorinated compounds, alcohols, nickel, phenol,
trichloroethylene.
Eye or vision conjunctivitis, corneal damage. organic solvents, acids, cresol, quinone, hydroquinone,
benzyl chloride, butyl alcohol, bases.
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APPENDIX K: GVSU RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM
GVSU has established the following policy to ensure that employees and students are protected from adverse
exposures to respiratory hazards. The University is committed to maintaining engineering controls that provide
an indoor atmosphere free of harmful chemical, physical and biological agents. This policy will apply in
situations where those controls are not sufficient and other means of respiratory protection are required.
This program, training, recordkeeping will be administered by the Lab Safety Manager/Chemical Hygiene
Officer.
A. SITUATIONS REQUIRING THE USE OF RESPIRATORS.
Respirators are required in any situation where the potential for exposure to a particular airborne
contaminant exceeds occupational exposure limits or a hazard assessment determines one to be
necessary. .
No employee may be exposed to any air contaminant above the levels established by Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employees shall utilize Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) or other credible information sources to ensure compliance. Faculty and Staff may not require
that a student or employee use a respirator in situations other than those identified in this policy without
prior approval of University health and safety staff, who will provide specific guidance. However,
voluntary use dust masks is not discouraged (see “dust mask” section below)
This policy covers only the use of face-mounted respirators. Consult the health and safety staff for
information on belt-mounted, self-contained, and remote-source respirators and their use.
The University recognizes the following situations when respirator use is required:
Air monitoring has identified that respiratory hazards are present.
A hazard assessment identifies that there is a reasonable expectation that an individual could be
exposed to respiratory hazards above Permissible Exposure Limits.
Employees working in areas where contaminant levels may become unsafe without warning, such
as emergency response.
The MSDS or chemical label requires the use of a respirator.
Areas where there is a significant risk that biological agents become aerosolized.
Spraying of pesticides in the Padnos Hall Greenhouse.
B. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION FOR EMPLOYEES.
Before any employee may begin a job that requires respirator use, the following items must be
completed successfully (in the order listed below).
1. Evaluation by a licensed physician using either a physical examination or medical
questionnaire. A medical evaluation is required for each employee who is required to wear a
respirator, regardless of the duration and frequency of respirator use. The medical evaluation
must be conducted by a licensed physician and completed before respirator fit testing and initial
respirator use. The medical evaluation is to be done during the employee's work day.
The medical evaluation can be accomplished in either of the following two ways.
a. Medical Questionnaire. In some situations the physician may only need to review a
medical questionnaire without needing to conduct a physical examination. OSHA‟s
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Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire can be completed by the employee and
then reviewed by a physician who determines the employee's fitness to wear a
respirator. The physician may request an office visit for a physical examination for any
reason if he or she feels it is appropriate. The following information must be submitted
to the physician:
The completed Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.
A MSDS for the material to which the employee will be exposed.
A copy of this policy.
b. Physical Medical Examination. The employee visits a physician who will evaluate the
employee's physical fitness to wear a respirator. The physician will conduct whatever
tests he/she feels are appropriate, but at a minimum will provide information adequate
to ensure that the wearer is physically fit to wear the respirator. If the physician is
properly equipped, the user seal and fit tests may be conducted at the same time. Upon
visiting a physician, the employee must bring the following information:
A MSDS for the material to which the employee will be exposed
A copy of this policy.
The specified respirator if user seal and fit test are to be conducted during the
physical.
The physician must provide a written opinion of the individual‟s fitness to wear a respirator and
whether or not there are any conditions employee or employer must follow. One copy of the
approval shall be placed in the employee's file, and one copy provided to the employee.
The evaluation is required only once, except under the following circumstances:
Physician recommends re-evaluation at a specific interval.
Changes in the workplace that may result in an increase on the physical burden of the
employee or significantly increase exposure.
The employee reports suffering distress through wearing a respirator, signs or symptoms
relating to respirator use, or a change in health condition that may affect respirator use.
The University determines it is necessary.
The evaluations must be conducted by Spectrum Occupational Health Services, 973 Ottawa
Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Phone: 616-391-7752. Prior arrangements need to be
made by a supervisor, Human Resources, or health and safety staff.
Upon termination of employment, medical evaluations shall be permanently kept in the
employee's personnel file.
2. Training in Respirator Use. All employees required to wear respirators will be trained in the
hazards present and proper selection, fit testing, use, and maintenance of respirators. This will
be done both before an employee begins the use of a respirator and annually thereafter. All
employees will be made aware of the hazards present from all chemicals as part of the
University‟s hazard communication or Lab Safety Program.
3. Checking Fit Prior to Use. Employees must ensure the respirator provides a proper fit. Fit
testing can only be performed after the physician has given approval for the employee's
respirator use. Also, fit testing and respirator use in general cannot be done if there is
substantial facial hair between the skin and the facepiece of the respirator. Proper fit is to be
checked as follows:
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(a) User Seal Check Procedure. Each time an employee uses a respirator, proper fit must
be checked (see OSHA User Seal Check Procedures). This is done using either of the
following two procedures.
Positive Pressure Facefit Check. To check, place palm of hand over the exhalation
valve cover and exhale gently. Be careful not to disturb the position of the
respirator. If the facepiece bulges slightly, and no air leaks between the face and the
facepiece are detected, a proper fit has been obtained. If air leakage is detected,
reposition the respirator on the face and/or readjust the tension of the elastic straps
to eliminate the leakage. Repeat the above steps until a tight seal is obtained. If a
proper fit cannot be achieved, the employee may not enter the area but should
instead see his/her supervisor.
Negative Pressure Facefit Check. To check, place the palms of hands or thumbs
over both filters. Be careful not to disturb the position of the respirator. The
employee should then inhale gently and hold his/her breath for five to ten seconds.
If the facepiece collapses slightly, a proper fit has been obtained. If air leakage is
detected, reposition the respirator on the face and/or readjust the tension of the
elastic straps to eliminate the leakage. Repeat the above steps until a tight seal is
obtained. If proper fit cannot be achieved, the employee cannot enter the area but
should instead see his/her supervisor.
(b) Qualitative Fit Test. Often referred to as an "irritant smoke test." These tests are only
to be conducted by staff who have reviewed the OSHA accepted Qualitative Fit Test
Protocol and after the employee has passed the medical exam and user seal check.
These tests are to be performed at least annually, and under the following
circumstances: a new respirator is purchased, the employee requests a test, a request
by a supervisor, doctor, or the University, and any other condition that may lead to a
poor seal of a respirator.
C. RESPIRATOR STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE.
Respirators must be stored inside a cabinet or drawer with a door to keep out dust, sunlight, extreme
heat or cold, moisture, or chemicals. Respirators should be stored so facepieces and exhalation valves
will rest in a normal position to prevent rubber or plastic from reforming into an abnormal shape.
The respirator body shall be replaced whenever found to be faulty (i.e. cracked or broken face seal or
body). A valve or headband shall be replaced as soon as any performance loss is noticed.
Each employee is responsible for keeping his/her respirator clean and in good condition, and returning it
to the respirator cabinet in a sealed bag, which is usually provided with a new respirator. Avoid sealing
wet respirators in airtight bags due to potential for mold growth. Respirators must be cleaned and
disinfected regularly using antiseptic wipes. If employees must share a respirator, it must be disinfected
after each use.
1. Number of Respirators. One respirator (and only one) will be issued to each person required to
wear a respirator. The University will provide the respirator and cartridges at no cost to the
employee. Each respirator will be clearly marked with the person's name to prevent the sharing
or exchanging of respirators.
2. Inspection of the Effectiveness of the Respirator Program. All managers, supervisors, and
safety managers are responsible for making regular checks of work area conditions and
employee practices to make sure the respirator program is effective. Inspections will ensure that
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proper respirators and cartridges are used, respirators are used at appropriate times, and that they
are clean, clearly labeled and well maintained.
3. Temporary Changes in Conditions. If air sampling reveals unusually high levels of any
potentially harmful material, this respirator policy may be temporarily modified by the
University safety personnel.
D. RESPIRATORS AND CARTRIDGES.
The following respirators have been approved by the University.
3M 6000 SERIES
Respirator Body – Small, Medium or Large 6100, 6200 or 6300
Full Facepiece Respirator (S-L) 6700-6900
P-100 HEPA Filter 2093 (magenta)
P-100 HEPA Organic Vapor / Acid Gas Filter 60923 (yellow/magenta)
With wear, the body will have to be periodically replaced to maintain the respirator's filtering capacity.
1. Filters. Always consult the product material safety data sheet and the cartridge manufacturer to
ensure proper cartridge selection prior to use. NO FILTER WILL PROVIDE PROTECTION
IN OXYGEN DEFICIENT ATMOSPHERES. There are two main types of filters that will
typically be used:
(a) P-100 HEPA Filter. The first is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate) filter. This filter
removes airborne particulates and aerosol contaminants such as silica, sawdust, most
biological contaminants, or liquid particles (non-oil) that do not emit harmful vapors.
A respirator fitted with this filter will provide protection from dusts, fumes, or mists by
capturing course and fine particles on the filter.
HEPA filters have served their useful life and must be replaced when visibly dirty,
when breathing resistance becomes excessive, or when the user experiences taste, smell
or irritation related to the particles being filtered.
(b) P-100 HEPA Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Filter. This type of filter cartridge protects
against certain organic vapors, acid gas and particulates that may be found in
laboratories, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. When properly fitted these
provide respiratory protection from certain organic vapors, chlorine, hydrogen chloride,
sulfur dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen fluoride and particulates at
concentrations up to 10 times the Permissible Exposure Limit. Not to be used for
formaldehyde, ammonia, mercury vapor or methylamine.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use and replacement recommendations.
In general, if the user experiences taste, smell or irritation related to the chemical being
used the filter should be replaced.
F. DUST MASKS.
1. Required Use of Dust Masks. In no case does a dust mask provide adequate protection against
inhalation of airborne contaminants above occupational exposure levels. Typical respiratory
hazards at the University do not require the use of dust masks; however any employee can
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request to wear a dust mask for his/her own comfort. The University will keep a supply of
NIOSH-approved dust masks and provide them at no expense to the employee.
If an employee is required to wear a dust mask, the requirements stated in this policy for
employee respiratory protection must be followed. That includes medical evaluation and
training, but not fit testing requirements.
2. Voluntary Use of Dust Masks. If a supervisor chooses to allow employees to wear dust masks
voluntarily, they must do the following:
Ensure that the dust mask will not itself create a safety or health hazard to the individual
wearing it.
Provide the individual with the information provided in OSHA‟s Information for Employees
Using Respirators When Not Required.
G. INDOOR AIR MONITORING.
The University will conduct representative sampling when there is reason to believe that an employee
may be exposed to airborne contaminants above OSHA‟s Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) or action
levels during a typical work day. All sampling and monitoring shall be coordinated through the
University‟s health and safety staff. Individuals who are sampled will receive written results of their
sampling within two weeks of receipt of the report from the laboratory.
1. Monitoring will be conducted at the following intervals:
Initial Monitoring. When an area begins or significantly alters the use of a chemical
suspected to exceed the OSHA PEL or Action Level, a sample from all job classifications
with potential exposure above the Action Level will be taken. Additionally, any significant
changes in production, process, handling procedures, etc. that might increase the level of
contaminants in the atmosphere makes retesting necessary.
Routine Monitoring. At appropriate intervals, routine monitoring may be performed to
ensure the levels are within the acceptable limits. All job classifications that are required to
wear a respirator and some that could have potential exposure will be sampled. If results
above the Action Level are detected, sampling will be done every six months until
operational changes bring levels within acceptable limits.
Complaint Monitoring. If there are reports of signs or symptoms that may indicate
overexposure, such as respiratory or skin conditions associated with exposure to airborne
contaminants, the affected individuals must notify their supervisor immediately. Health and
safety personnel will determine whether monitoring will be necessary.
2. Working Areas. The University will maintain the general working area with exposures well
below the PEL. If any areas exceed that level, the appropriate respiratory protection must be
worn until corrective engineering controls are implemented. These would usually include
operational changes, improved ventilation, or facility improvements.
If a particular area is expected to be above the PEL, all entrances must be posted with an
appropriate warning sign.
3. Exposure Levels.
Consult the MSDS for exposure levels of airborne contaminants.
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(a) Action Level. An eight hour time weighted average concentration below which no
further action is needed.
(b) PEL. The maximum eight hour time weighted average concentration that an employee
can be exposed to without wearing a respirator. Monitoring results between the Action
Level and PEL will be resampled within six months of the sampling event. If
monitoring results show exposure above the PEL, full-time respirator use will be
required for that job until satisfactory results are received. This requirement will be
waived only if there is compelling evidence that the test was not representative of the
employee's exposure.
(c) STEL. The maximum concentration of airborne contaminants that an employee can be
exposed to in a 15 minute period. Job classifications where employee exposure may
exceed the STEL require respirator use while performing these jobs.
(d) Maximum Concentration. The level above which special types of respirators must be
used. Areas exceeding the Maximum Concentration must improve their engineering
controls to reduce these levels.
4. Recordkeeping. The University must maintain any records concerning employee exposure,
monitoring, and training at their facility. Corporate will keep the following records for the
necessary retention time:
Records Retention Time
Exposure monitoring results 30 years
Training 30 years (file with exposure results)
Medical Surveillance Duration of employment plus 30 years.
Respirator Fit Test Until replaced by a more recent record.
{Policy revised 9/1/2011}
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APPENDIX L: VOLUNTEERS IN LABS TEMPLATE
Date Volunteer Name Address RE: Lab Volunteer
Dear Volunteer: Thank you for your interest in volunteering to assist in the __________laboratory under the direction of ____________________. Volunteers acting on behalf of the University are expected to adhere to University policies, including but not limited to those policies concerning alcohol and drug use, vehicle use, student conduct, fiscal propriety, sexual harassment, diversity, and non-discrimination. The University is obligated to provide a safe working environment for volunteers, adhering to the same standards it has for its employees. Volunteers are not employees and are not covered by workers' compensation disability benefits and are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Therefore volunteers are personally responsible for the expense of any medical care received for injuries incurred because of volunteer service to the University. A written list of your roles and responsibilities is attached to this memorandum. Before you can begin your volunteer assignment you will be required to complete appropriate lab safety training. With regard to general liability, the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees indemnifies authorized volunteers the same as a University employee, except when acting in a willful and wanton manner. GVSU has general liability insurance coverage that will cover your volunteer services as described above. A copy of the certificate of insurance is available to you at your request. Please consider the aforementioned expectations and complete the Volunteer Information Form with the required information. Please return the signed copy of the enclosed Volunteer Information Form to me. Upon receipt we can schedule you for lab safety training, provide you with a schedule and provide a date for you to begin your volunteer assignment. Again I want to thank you for volunteering your time to Grand Valley State University and supporting its important mission in educating and shaping the lives of our students. Sincerely,
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Volunteer Information Form Please provide the following required information: Name: ________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Email: ___________________________ Are you currently a GVSU Student? Yes ____ No ____ Emergency Contact: Name: ________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Email: ___________________________ Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ________________________ If you are under age of 18, a signature of a parent or guardian is required. Signed: _____________________________________ Date: _________________________ Parent/Guardian
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APPENDIX M: LIST OF DEFINITIONS
ACGIH -- The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists is a voluntary membership organization of professional
industrial hygiene personnel in governmental or educational institutions. The ACGIH develops and publishes recommended
occupational exposure limits each year called Threshold Limit Values (TLV's) for hundreds of chemicals, physical agents, and includes
Biological Exposure Indices (BEI).
Action Level -- A concentration designated in 29 CFR part 1910 for a specific substance, calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted
average, which initiates certain required activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance.
Acute -- Severe, often dangerous exposure conditions in which relatively rapid changes occur.
Acute Exposure -- An intense exposure over a relatively short period.
ANSI -- The American National Standards Institute is a voluntary membership organization (run with private funding) that develops
national consensus standards for a wide variety of devices and procedures.
Asphyxiant -- A chemical (gas or vapor) that can cause death or unconsciousness by suffocation. Simple asphyxiants such as nitrogen
either use up or displace oxygen in the air. They become especially dangerous in confined or enclosed spaces. Chemical asphyxiants,
such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, interfere with the body's ability to absorb or transport oxygen to the tissues.
Autoclave -- A device to expose items to steam at a high pressure in order to decontaminate the materials or render them sterile.
Biohazard -- Infectious agents that present a risk or potential risk to the health of humans or other animals, either directly through
infection or indirectly through damage to the environment.
Boiling Point -- The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals atmospheric pressure or at which the liquid changes to a
vapor. The boiling point is usually expressed in degrees Fahrenheit. If a flammable material has a low boiling point, it indicates a
special fire hazard.
"C" or Ceiling -- A description usually seen in connection with a published exposure limit. It refers to the concentration that should not
be exceeded, even for an instant. It may be written as TLV-C or Threshold Limit Value--Ceiling (See also THRESHOLD LIMIT
VALUE).
Carcinogen -- A substance that may cause cancer in animals or humans.
C.A.S. Number -- Identifies a particular chemical by the Chemical Abstracts Service, a service of the American Chemical Society that
indexes and compiles abstracts of worldwide chemical literature called "Chemical Abstracts."
Chemical Hygiene Officer -- An employee who is designated by the employee and who is qualified by training and experience, to
provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. This definition is not
intended to place limitations on the position description or job classification that the designated individual shall hold within the
employer's organizational structure.
Chemical Hygiene Plan -- A written program developed and implemented by the department which sets forth procedures, equipment,
personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting students, instructors and other personnel from the health
hazards presented by the hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace.
Chronic exposure -- A prolonged exposure occurring over a period of days, weeks, or years.
Combustible -- According to the DOT and NFPA, COMBUSTIBLE liquids are those having a flash point at or above 100deg.F
(37.8deg.C), or liquids that will burn. They do not ignite as easily as flammable liquids. However, combustible liquids can be ignited
under certain circumstances, and must be handled with caution. Substances such as wood, paper, etc., are termed “Ordinary
Combustibles."
Compressed Gas -- A gas or mixture of gases that, in a container, will have an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70°F or 21.1°C. A
gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding104 psi at 130°F or 54.4°C, regardless of the pressure
at70°F. A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100°For 37.8°C.
Concentration -- The relative amount of a material in combination with another material. For example, 5 parts (of acetone) per million
(parts of air).
Corrosive -- A substance that, according to the DOT, causes visible destruction or permanent changes in human skin tissue at the site of
contact or is highly corrosive to steel.
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Cutaneous/Dermal -- Pertaining to or affecting the skin.
Cytotoxin -- A substance toxic to cells in culture, or to cells in an organism.
Decomposition -- The breakdown of a chemical or substance into different parts or simpler compounds. Decomposition can occur due to
heat, chemical reaction, decay, etc.
Designated Area -- An area that may be used for work with “select carcinogens,” reproductive toxins or substances, which have a high
degree of acute toxicity. This area may be the entire laboratory or an area under a device such as a laboratory hood.
Dermatitis -- An inflammation of the skin.
Dilution Ventilation -- See GENERAL VENTILATION.
DOT -- The United States Department of Transportation is the Federal agency that regulates the labeling and transportation of hazardous
materials.
Dyspnea -- Shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing.
EPA -- The Environmental Protection Agency is the governmental agency responsible for administration of laws to control and/or reduce
pollution of air, water, and land systems.
EPA Number -- The number assigned to chemicals regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Epidemiology -- The study of disease in human populations.
Erythema -- A reddening of the skin.
Evaporation Rate -- The rate at which a material is converted to vapor (evaporates) at a given temperature and pressure when compared
to the evaporation rate of a given substance. Health and fire hazard evaluations of materials involve consideration of evaporation rates as
one aspect of the evaluation.
Explosive -- A chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas, and heat when subjected to sudden shock,
pressure, or high temperature.
Flammable Gas -- A gas that, at an ambient temperature and pressure, forms a flammable mixture with air at a concentration of 13
percent by volume or less; or, a gas that, at an ambient temperature and pressure forms a range of flammable mixtures with air wider than
12 percent by volume, regardless of the lower limit.
Flammable Liquid -- According to the DOT and NFPA, a flammable liquid is one that has a flash point below 100deg.F. (See FLASH
POINT).
Flammable Solid -- A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is liable to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture,
spontaneous chemical change or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which can be ignited readily and when ignited burns
so vigorously and persistently it creates a serious hazard.
Flash Point -- The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture and burn when a source of
ignition (sparks, open flames, etc.) is present. Two tests are used to determine the flashpoint: open cup and closed cup. The test method
is indicated on the MSDS after the flash point.
Fume -- A solid particle that has condensed from the vapor state.
Gas -- Chemical substances that exist in the gaseous state at room temperature.
General Ventilation -- Also known as general exhaust ventilation, this is a system of ventilation consisting of either natural or
mechanically induced fresh air movements to mix with and dilute contaminants in the workroom air. This is not the recommended type
of ventilation to control contaminants that are highly toxic, when there may be corrosion problems from the contaminant, when the
worker is close to where the contaminant is being generated, and where fire or explosion hazards are generated close to sources of
ignition (See LOCALEXHAUST VENTILATION).
Grams per Kilogram (g/Kg) -- This indicates the dose of a substance given to test animals in toxicity studies. For example, a dose may
be 2 grams (of substance) per kilogram of body weight (of the experimental animal).
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Hazardous Chemicals -- Any chemical for which there is significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed
personnel. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are carcinogens, toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers or other agents that
can damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
Ignitable -- A solid, liquid, or compressed gas waste that has a flashpoint of less than 140deg.F. Ignitable material may be regulated by
the EPA as a hazardous waste, as well.
Incompatible -- The term applied to two substances to indicate that one material cannot be mixed with the other without the possibility
of a dangerous reaction.
Ingestion -- Taking a substance into the body through the mouth as food, drink, medicine, or unknowingly as on contaminated hands or
cigarettes, etc.
Inhalation -- The breathing in of an airborne substance that may be in the form of gas, fumes mists, vapors, dusts, or aerosols.
Inhibitor -- A substance that is added to another to prevent or slowdown an unwanted reaction or change.
Irritant -- A substance that produces an irritation effect when it contacts skin, eyes, nose, or respiratory system.
Laboratory -- A facility where relatively small quantities of hazardous materials are used on a non-production basis.
Laboratory Scale -- Work with substances in which the containers used for reactions, transfers, and other handling of substances are
designed to be easily and safely manipulated by one person.
Laboratory-type Hood -- A device constructed and maintained to draw air from the laboratory and to prevent or minimize the escape of
air contaminants into the laboratory.
Laboratory Use of Hazardous Materials -- The handling or use of chemicals in which the following conditions are met: (1) Chemical
manipulations are carried out on a laboratory scale. (2) Multiple chemical procedures or chemicals are used. (3) The procedures
involved are not part of a production process. (4) Protective laboratory practices and equipment are available and in common use to
minimize the potential for personnel exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Laminar Air Flow -- Air flow in which the entire mass of air within a designated space move with uniform velocity in a single direction
along parallel flow lines with a minimum of mixing.
Lethal Concentration50 -- The concentration of an air contaminant (LC50) that will kill 50 percent of the test animals in a group during a
single exposure.
Lethal Dose50 -- The dose of a substance or chemical that will (LD50) kill 50 percent of the test animals in a group within the first30 days
following exposure.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (Also known as exhaust ventilation.) --A ventilation system that captures and removes air contaminants at
the point they are being produced before they escape into the workroom air. The system consists of hoods, ductwork, a fan, and possibly
an air-cleaning device. Advantages of local exhaust ventilation over general ventilation include: removing the contaminant rather than
diluting it; less airflow making it a more economical system over the long run; and conservation or reclamation of valuable materials.
However, the system must be properly designed with the correctly shaped and placed hoods, correctly sized fans and correctly connected
ductwork.
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) (Also known as Lower Flammable Limit-LFL) -- The lowest concentration of a substance that will
produce a fire or flash when an ignition source (flame, spark, etc.) is present. It is expressed in percent of vapor or gas in the air by
volume. Below the LEL or LFL, the air/contaminant mixture is theoretically too "lean" to burn (See also UEL).
Melting Point -- The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid. A melting range any be given for mixtures.
Mutagen -- Anything that can cause a change (or mutation) in the genetic material of a living cell.
Narcosis -- Stupor or unconsciousness caused by exposure to a chemical.
NFPA -- The National Fire Protection Association is a voluntary membership organization whose aims are to promote and improve fire
protection and prevention. NFPA has published 16 volumes of codes known as the National Fire Codes. Within these codes is Standard
No. 704, "Identification of the Fire Hazards of Materials.” This system rates the hazard of a material during a fire. These hazards are
divided into health, flammability, and reactivity hazards and appear in a well-known diamond system using from zero through four to
indicate severity of the hazard. Zero indicates no special hazard and four indicates severe hazard.
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NIOSH -- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is a Federal agency that among its various responsibilities trains
occupational health and safety professionals conducts research on health and safety concerns, and tests and certifies respirators for
workplace use.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) -- A Federal agency under the Department of Labor that publishes and
enforces safety and health regulations for most businesses and industries in the United States.
Odor Threshold -- The minimum concentration of a substance at which a majority of test subjects can detect and identify the
substance‟s characteristic odor.
Oxidation -- The process of combining oxygen with some other substance or a chemical change in which and atom loses electrons.
Oxidizer -- Is a substance that gives up oxygen easily to stimulate combustion of organic material.
Oxygen Deficiency -- An atmosphere having less than the normal percentage of oxygen found in normal air. Normal air contains 21%
oxygen at sea level.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) -- An exposure limit that is published and enforced by OSHA as a legal standard. PEL may be
either a time-weighted-average (TWA) exposure limit (8 hour), a 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL), or a ceiling (C). The
PELs are found in Tables Z-1, Z-2, or Z-3 of OSHA regulations 1910.1000. (See also TLV).
Personal Protective Equipment -- Any devices or clothing worn by the worker to protect against hazards in the environment. Examples
are respirators, gloves, and chemical splash goggles.
Physical Hazard -- A chemical that has scientifically valid evidence proving it to be a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive,
flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
Polymerization -- A chemical reaction in which two or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating
structural units of the original molecules. A hazardous polymerization is the above reaction with an uncontrolled release of energy.
RAD -- The unit of absorbed dose equal to 100 ergs per gram or 0.01joules per kilogram of absorbing material.
Reactivity -- A substance's susceptibility to undergoing a chemical reaction or change that may result in dangerous side effects, such as
explosion, burning, and corrosive or toxic emissions. The conditions that cause the reaction, such as heat, other chemicals, and dropping,
will usually be specified as "Conditions to Avoid" when a chemical's reactivity is discussed on a MSDS.
Reproductive Toxins -- Chemicals that affect the reproductive capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on
fetuses.
Respirator -- A device that is designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful contaminants.
Respiratory Hazard -- A particular concentration of an airborne contaminant that, when it enters the body by way of the respiratory
system or by being breathed into the lungs, results in some bodily function impairment.
Select carcinogens are chemicals listed by MIOSHA as carcinogens, by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as "known to be
carcinogens" and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 1 carcinogens. Also included are chemicals or
processes listed in either Group 2A or 2B by IARC or under the category "reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens" by NTP and that
cause statistically significant tumor incidence in experimental animals in accordance with any of the following criteria:
After inhalation exposure of 6-7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for a significant portion of a lifetime to dosages of less than 10mg/ml3
After repeated skin application of less than 300 mg/kg of body weight per week
After oral dosages of less than 50 mg/kg of body weight per day
Sensitizer -- A substance that may cause no reaction in a person during initial exposures, but afterwards, further exposures will cause an
allergic response to the substance.
Short Term Exposure Limit -- Represented as STEL or TLV-STEL, this is the maximum concentration to which workers can be
exposed for a short period of time (15 minutes) for only four times throughout the day with at least one hour between exposures. In
addition, the daily TLV-TWA must not be exceeded.
"Skin" -- This designation sometimes appears alongside a TLV or PEL. It refers to the possibility of absorption of the particular
chemical through the skin and eyes. Thus, protection of large surface areas of skin should be considered to prevent skin absorption so
that the TLV is not invalidated.
Systemic -- Spread throughout the body; affecting many or all body systems or organs; not localized in one spot or area.
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Teratogen -- An agent or substance that may cause physical defects in the developing embryo or fetus when a pregnant female is
exposed to that substance.
Threshold Limit Value -- Airborne concentrations of substances devised by the ACGIH that represents conditions under which it is
believed that nearly all workers may be exposed day after day with no adverse effect. TLV's are advisory exposure guidelines, not legal
standards that are based on evidence from industrial experience, animal studies, or human studies when they exist. There are three
different types of TLV's: Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA), Short Term Exposure Limit (TLV-STEL), and Ceiling (TLV-C). (See
also PEL).
Time Weighted Average -- The average time, over a given work period (e.g. 8-hour workday) of a person's exposure to a chemical or an
agent. The average is determined by sampling for the contaminant throughout the time period. Represented as TLV-TWA.
Toxicity -- The potential of a substance to exert a harmful effect on humans or animals and a description of the effect and the conditions
or concentration under which the effect takes place.
Trade Name -- The commercial name or trademark by which a chemical is known. One chemical may have a variety of trade names
depending on the manufacturers or distributors involved.
Unstable (Reactive) -- A chemical that, in its pure state or as commercially produced, will react vigorously in some hazardous way
under shock conditions (i.e., dropping), certain temperatures, or pressures.
Upper Explosive Limit -- Also known as Upper Flammable Limit is the highest concentration (expressed in percent of vapor or gas in
the air by volume) of a substance that will burn or explode when an ignition source is present. Theoretically, above this limit the mixture
is said to be too "rich” to support combustion. The difference between the LEL and the UEL constitutes the flammable range or
explosive range of a substance. That is, if the LEL is1ppm and the UEL is 5ppm, then the explosive range of the chemical is 1-ppm
to5ppm. (See also LEL).
Vapor -- The gaseous state of substances, which are normally in the liquid or solid state (at normal room temperature and pressure).
Vapors evaporate into the air from liquids such as solvents. Solvents with low boiling points will evaporate.
Vapor Pressure -- The pressure that a solid or liquid exerts when it is in equilibrium with its vapor at a given temperature.
Water-reactive -- A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard.